Who Should I Start? Malik Nabers or Ladd McConkey

Tuesday, October 28, 5:23 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) had surgery on Tuesday to fix the torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, and he "should be ready" for the start of next season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Nabers suffered his season-ending knee injury in the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but he just now had surgery after doctors had to wait for the swelling in his knee to dissipate. Barring setbacks with his rehab and recovery in the offseason, the 22-year-old former first-rounder should be good to go for the start of the 2026 season next fall, although fantasy managers might have some reservations about rolling with a receiver coming off a major knee repair as a high-end WR1. Before his injury, though, Nabers had displayed his game-changing abilities with 271 yards and two scores on 18 receptions in four games. His long-term fantasy ceiling should be higher going forward now that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart looks like the real deal.

Friday, October 31, 5:21 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey continued his hot streak, catching six of 10 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday, leading the team in all major receiving categories. He ranks fifth in the league in targets and carries a solid 23.3% target share. He faces a middle-of-the-pack Tennessee Titans pass defense, but McConkey's outlook is boosted by an especially favorable slot matchup against defensive back Roger McCreary, who is allowing an 85.7% catch rate to opponents. While the overall passing volume might be limited due to a run-heavy game script, McConkey's high volume and favorable individual matchup keep his floor high. RotoBaller ranks him at WR13 this week. You can start him with confidence as a high-end WR2, with WR1 upside if he finds the endzone again.