Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Nico Collins


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.2 0.8 0.0 4.4 57.8 0.3

Jaylen Waddle News

Jaylen Waddle Not Wearing Leg Sleeve, Looks to be Improving

Saturday, August 8, 8:28 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) is not wearing a sleeve on his leg at training camp practice on Saturday and is running better than he has since his injury earlier this week, according to DNVR Sports' Zac Stevens. The Broncos held Waddle out of practices this week as a precaution after he dealt with muscle tightness. It doesn't appear to be anything significant for fantasy managers to be worried about. We'd be surprised if the Broncos use Waddle in their preseason opener next Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, but the speedy pass-catcher should be ready for the start of his first season in the Mile High City in 2026. After giving up first- and third-round picks for Waddle in the offseason, head coach Sean Payton figures to get him involved heavily as a way for the Broncos' offense to become more explosive through the air. The 27-year-old opened his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, and as long as he stays healthy, he could be a lock for a fourth 1,000-yard campaign with the Broncos in 2026. Fantasy managers should target him as a strong WR2 in upcoming drafts, especially in point-per-reception formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
13.9 0.7 0.0 4.7 69.7 0.3

Nico Collins News

Nico Collins Is Still Worth a WR1 Price

Thursday, August 6, 11:32 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has more help around him now. He is still the receiver this passing game runs through. Collins caught 71 of 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games last season, giving him three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Jayden Higgins is pushing for more after a 41-catch, 525-yard rookie year, and Tank Dell took part in padded practice this week for the first time since his major knee injury. That makes Houston deeper. It does not erase what Collins has already done with C.J. Stroud. He set a career high in targets last season and averaged 15.7 yards per catch. The bigger concern is whether he can stay on the field. Collins has never played more than 15 games, missed one regular-season contest after a concussion last year, then suffered another head injury in the playoffs and sat out the Divisional Round. RotoBaller ranks him WR9 in PPR. The price is not cheap, but it is supported by three years of WR1 production. Higgins and Dell may take some work, but Collins remains the clear first option and should be drafted as a low-end WR1.


Jaylen Waddle vs. Nico Collins

Still trying to decide between Waddle and Collins? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jaylen Waddle is projected to score 12.2 points this week while Nico Collins is projected to score 13.9 points.