Zay Flowers vs Ladd McConkey
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Zay Flowers this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.0 projected points (13.7 vs 11.8).
Zay Flowers faces ATL, the 15th-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 Zay Flowers: a clear but modest edge of 12.0 points of value over replacement (47.7 vs 35.7).
The draft market agrees: Zay Flowers goes first at ADP 24.8 vs 38.8 for Ladd McConkey.
Health note: Ladd McConkey carries an injury flag of Out (Foot), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Zay FlowersBAL | Ladd McConkeyLAC | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | ATL | DEN | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 13.7 | 11.8 | Flowers +2.0 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #15 | #27 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 228.0 | 216.0 | Flowers +12.0 pts |
| Points per game | 13.4 | 12.7 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 47.7 | 35.7 | Flowers +12.0 |
| Overall rank | #38 | #43 | Flowers by 5 |
| Position rank | WR13 | WR14 | |
| Market ADP | 24.8 | 38.8 | McConkey +14.0 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 4 | |
| Bye week | 13 | 7 | |
| Injury flag | None | Out |
Should I start Zay Flowers or Ladd McConkey in Week 5?
Start Zay Flowers this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.0 projected points (13.7 vs 11.8).
Should I draft Zay Flowers or Ladd McConkey in 2026 fantasy football?
Zay Flowers. He projects 228.0 fantasy points with 47.7 value over replacement, vs 216.0 points and 35.7 for Ladd McConkey (WR, PPR).