Ladd McConkey vs Rashee Rice
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Ladd McConkey this week: Rashee Rice is on bye in Week 5.
Ladd McConkey gets DEN, the 27th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week, projecting 11.8 points.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Ladd McConkey: a clear but modest edge of 8.1 points of value over replacement (35.7 vs 27.6).
The room sees it the other way: drafters take Rashee Rice first (ADP 17.2 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.
Health note: Rashee Rice carries an injury flag of Questionable (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Ladd McConkeyLAC | Rashee RiceKAN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | DEN | Bye | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 11.8 | 0.0 | McConkey +11.8 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #27 | - | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 216.0 | 207.9 | McConkey +8.1 pts |
| Points per game | 12.7 | 12.2 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 35.7 | 27.6 | McConkey +8.1 |
| Overall rank | #43 | #46 | McConkey by 3 |
| Position rank | WR14 | WR16 | |
| Market ADP | 38.8 | 17.2 | McConkey +21.6 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 4 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 5 | |
| Injury flag | Out | Questionable |
Should I start Ladd McConkey or Rashee Rice in Week 5?
Start Ladd McConkey this week: Rashee Rice is on bye in Week 5.
Should I draft Ladd McConkey or Rashee Rice in 2026 fantasy football?
Ladd McConkey. He projects 216.0 fantasy points with 35.7 value over replacement, vs 207.9 points and 27.6 for Rashee Rice (WR, PPR).