Who Should I Start? Ja'Kobi Lane or Zachariah Branch

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Week 1 Projections

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Ja'Kobi Lane News

Ja'Kobi Lane a Great Fit for Ravens, Potential Steal in Rookie Drafts

Tuesday, June 2, 8:59 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane was a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he has the potential to make an impact on offense from Day 1. The Ravens have long been seeking another reliable receiver to pair with Zay Flowers, but none of Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, or LaJohntay Wester have lived up to the hype so far. Lane could be the answer for the Ravens, and we could possibly even see him start alongside Flowers in Week 1. He's the first receiver drafted by the Ravens' new coaching staff, led by head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, so we already know the staff thinks highly of him. Whether Lane will consistently receive catchable targets from Lamar Jackson remains unclear, but we're bullish on the possibility of the Baltimore offense being able to support two fantasy-relevant wide receivers going forward. Even if Lane doesn't end up having a huge role from Day 1, he should be a key piece of their long-term plans, making him an intriguing target in rookie drafts. He projects as an early third-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts, and he's the WR77 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs

Thursday, June 4, 9:09 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was the 79th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of the University of Georgia, has been quickly learning the team's offense and building chemistry with his teammates in OTAs this offseason, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 22-year-old proved to be one of college's most explosive playmakers in 2025 with the Bulldogs, leading the SEC with 81 catches and gaining 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. He has drawn the attention of new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played with two elite speed receivers in Miami in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. "I mean, dude's fast," Tagovailoa said. "Dude can play very shifty. Kind of reminds me of Waddle." Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons (two at USC), and he did most of his damage after he already secured the football. He was targeted 96 times and caught 92 passes behind the line of scrimmage in college. Speed is not in question with Branch, but his durability at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, and his role in his rookie season are up for debate. Expect him to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for the WR2 role in Atlanta in 2026 behind WR1 Drake London.

Ja'Kobi Lane vs. Zachariah Branch

Still trying to decide between Lane and Branch? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ja'Kobi Lane is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Zachariah Branch is projected to score 0.0 points.