Who Should I Start? Darius Slayton or Zachariah Branch


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.3 0.2 0.0 1.9 26.6 0.1

Darius Slayton News

Darius Slayton's Long-Term Role in New York is Uncertain Entering 2026

Tuesday, June 30, 7:22 AM

Across 14 games in 2025, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton recorded 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown on 63 targets. Slayton remains a steady downfield presence, as he's averaged 15.1 yards per reception over the last four seasons. However, he was unable to step into a higher-volume role last season, even after star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Entering 2026, New York has a new coaching staff in place that may not be as partial to Slayton. The Giants signed veteran wideouts Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency in addition to using a third-round pick in the 2026 Draft on wide receiver Malachi Fields. As Slayton enters his age-29 season, he may be in line for a significantly reduced role in his team's offense. In dynasty formats, managers may want to see whether they can move Slayton for any value.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.4 0.0 0.0 1.7 20.7 0.1

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Carries Sleeper Appeal into 2026

Sunday, June 28, 11:59 AM

After recording 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns across 14 games for the University of Georgia in 2025, wide receiver Zachariah Branch was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have a clear top two in their target pecking order in wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. However, Branch's top competition for the WR2 role behind London currently projects to be veteran wideouts Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson. Branch is clearly the highest upside option of the three and could be a significant piece of the Atlanta offense right away with a strong performance in training camp and the preseason. If Tua Tagovailoa opens the year as the Falcons QB1, Branch's ability to win from the slot could be a strong fit with Tagovailoa's preference to get the ball out quickly. As the WR70 by redraft ADP, Branch could be a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target.


Darius Slayton vs. Zachariah Branch

Still trying to decide between Slayton and Branch? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Darius Slayton is projected to score 5.3 points this week while Zachariah Branch is projected to score 4.4 points.