Nico Collins vs Ladd McConkey
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Nico Collins this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.5 projected points (14.2 vs 11.8).
Nico Collins faces TEN, the 11th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Ladd McConkey faces DEN, the 27th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Nico Collins, and it isn't close: 17.6 points of value over replacement separate them (53.2 vs 35.7).
The draft market agrees: Nico Collins goes first at ADP 19.6 vs 38.8 for Ladd McConkey.
Health note: Ladd McConkey carries an injury flag of Out (Foot), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Nico CollinsHOU | Ladd McConkeyLAC | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | TEN | DEN | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 14.2 | 11.8 | Collins +2.5 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #11 | #27 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 233.6 | 216.0 | Collins +17.6 pts |
| Points per game | 13.7 | 12.7 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 53.2 | 35.7 | Collins +17.6 |
| Overall rank | #34 | #43 | Collins by 9 |
| Position rank | WR11 | WR14 | |
| Market ADP | 19.6 | 38.8 | McConkey +19.2 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 4 | |
| Bye week | 8 | 7 | |
| Injury flag | None | Out |
Should I start Nico Collins or Ladd McConkey in Week 5?
Start Nico Collins this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.5 projected points (14.2 vs 11.8).
Should I draft Nico Collins or Ladd McConkey in 2026 fantasy football?
Nico Collins. He projects 233.6 fantasy points with 53.2 value over replacement, vs 216.0 points and 35.7 for Ladd McConkey (WR, PPR).