Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Ja'Marr Chase
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 4.8 | 63.7 | 0.4 |
DeVonta Smith News
Wednesday, August 19, 7:23 AM
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant at training camp on Wednesday, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Rookie first-round receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) was also limited as the two wideouts slowly work their way back from hamstring injuries. Smith was in full uniform on Monday to start the week and is making progress, although the Eagles could still decide to hold him out of their final two preseason games as a precaution. They will be even more cautious with Smith now that he is their unquestioned WR1 in 2026 with A.J. Brown now in New England. As things currently stand, fantasy managers should not be worried at all that Smith will not be ready for the start of the regular season in early September. With a bigger target share and higher potential fantasy ceiling than he has ever had before, the former first-rounder is now a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in upcoming drafts.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 7.2 | 88.2 | 0.7 |
Ja'Marr Chase News
Friday, August 14, 8:11 PM
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught his only target on a crossing route for 16 yards in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Chase saw a huge dip in production last season with fewer than 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he should easily surpass those numbers with his quarterback Joe Burrow back throwing the rock. Chase had a historic season the last time the duo was healthy, racking up over 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. The 26-year-old has let it be known that his personal goal for the season is to score 23 touchdowns, so fantasy managers could be in for another monster season as the star receiver is firmly in his prime. Chase may get more reps next week against the Chicago Bears, but he certainly does not need them to be a dominant fantasy star. Chase should be viewed as one of the best options to finish as the overall WR1 this season.
DeVonta Smith vs. Ja'Marr Chase
Still trying to decide between Smith and Chase? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that DeVonta Smith is projected to score 13.4 points this week while Ja'Marr Chase is projected to score 20.0 points.
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