Ladd McConkey vs Malik Nabers
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Malik Nabers by 0.8 projected points (12.5 vs 11.8), close enough that either call is defensible.
Malik Nabers faces WAS, the 18th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Ladd McConkey faces DEN, the 27th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
Season-long, the model still ranks Ladd McConkey ahead. This is a matchup call for Week 5, not a change of heart about the rest of the year.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Ladd McConkey by 4.3 points of value over replacement (35.7 vs 31.4), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The room sees it the other way: drafters take Malik Nabers first (ADP 27.1 vs 38.8). If the model is right, Ladd McConkey is the value pick, since the later cost buys the better 2026 projection.
Health note: Ladd McConkey carries an injury flag of Out (Foot), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Ladd McConkeyLAC | Malik NabersNYG | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | DEN | WAS | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 11.8 | 12.5 | Nabers +0.8 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #27 | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 216.0 | 211.7 | McConkey +4.3 pts |
| Points per game | 12.7 | 12.5 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 35.7 | 31.4 | McConkey +4.3 |
| Overall rank | #43 | #44 | McConkey by 1 |
| Position rank | WR14 | WR15 | |
| Market ADP | 38.8 | 27.1 | McConkey +11.7 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 4 | Rd 3 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 8 | |
| Injury flag | Out | None |
Should I start Ladd McConkey or Malik Nabers in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Malik Nabers by 0.8 projected points (12.5 vs 11.8), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Ladd McConkey or Malik Nabers in 2026 fantasy football?
Ladd McConkey. He projects 216.0 fantasy points with 35.7 value over replacement, vs 211.7 points and 31.4 for Malik Nabers (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.