Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin Jr. or Makai Lemon

Friday, October 16, 1:02 PM

It hasn't been a smooth start for Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon, but he showed improvement in a 19-17 Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Lemon recorded career highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (43) last Sunday. The seven targets that Lemon saw against the Jaguars were also the most he has recorded in his young NFL career thus far. Lemon and the Eagles will face off against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. The Panthers rank 22nd in the league in passing defense, allowing 230.8 passing yards per game. With that said, Carolina is only giving up 16.2 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, according to Pro Football Reference. While No. 1 wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the past two games, he is expected to play in Week 6, which could cut into Lemon's workload. Still, Lemon should continue to see his fair share of targets, but he needs to be more efficient with his opportunities. Lemon, the 20th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, has recorded 15 receptions (on 22 targets) for 108 yards (7.2 yards per reception) and one rush for negative-five yards so far in 2026. He has not scored a touchdown of any kind. Lemon has tallied 17.8 fantasy points in half-PPR scoring formats, according to RotoBaller, which ranks him 88th out of 215 qualifying wide receivers. Of note, Lemon will be catching passes from backup quarterback Tanner McKee on Sunday, with Jalen Hurts (calf) out due to a blood clot in his calf. Lemon ranks as RotoBaller's No. 59 wideout for Week 6 (half PPR) and is expected to score 4.2 fantasy points. It is not necessary to start Lemon right now.