Who Should I Start? Devaughn Vele or Makai Lemon

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
5.5 0.1 0.0 2.0 24.8 0.2

Devaughn Vele News

DeVaughn Vele to See More Work Early in 2026 Season

Friday, August 21, 8:52 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele is set for an expanded role early in the season. With rookie wideout Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) expected to miss significant time, Vele is positioned to be the team's second-leading receiver behind Chris Olave. The former Broncos receiver hauled in 25 of 39 targets for 293 yards and two touchdowns last season, but found a groove late with quarterback Tyler Shough. To add to Vele's value this season, Olave has struggled with concussions throughout his career and was part of the reason he slipped down fantasy boards last season. If Olave and Tyson miss time at any point this season, Vele becomes a starting-caliber receiver in most fantasy leagues.

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
9.2 0.4 0.0 3.3 44.2 0.2

Makai Lemon News

Makai Lemon Still Expected to Have a Major Role in Eagles Passing Game

Friday, August 21, 12:25 PM

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) is expected to have a major role in the team's passing game, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon has missed a large portion of training camp with a hamstring injury and just recently returned to practice in a limited capacity. Still, Berman writes that Lemon is expected to be one of Philly's top three wide receivers alongside DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, and that the team believes the rookie can stay up to speed even without on-field work. Following their offseason trade of wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, the Eagles have a significant level of pass-catching production to backfill in 2026. As long as he can stay healthy from here on out, Lemon could be a major part of that effort. In leagues where his value may be dropping due to injury concerns, Lemon could be a solid buy-low target for fantasy managers.

Devaughn Vele vs. Makai Lemon

Still trying to decide between Vele and Lemon? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Devaughn Vele is projected to score 5.5 points this week while Makai Lemon is projected to score 9.2 points.