Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or John Metchie III


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.4 0.0 0.0 1.2 15.5 0.1

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine News

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Strengthening his Case to be Colts' WR3

Monday, August 10, 7:28 PM

The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has "come alive" in the team's recent training camp practices and "continues to strengthen his case" to be Indy's third starting receiver over veterans Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell. Dulin and Treadwell have made some plays, but they have not been as consistent as Westbrook-Ikhine. The 29-year-old "always seems to be in the right place at the right time," and he is quickly building chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones. The former undrafted free agent from the University of Indiana caught just 11 of his 20 targets for 89 yards and zero touchdowns in 15 games (three starts) in 2025 with the Miami Dolphins, but Westbrook-Ikhine had 497 receiving yards and a career-high nine touchdowns on 32 receptions in 17 games with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 and could quickly become a regular contributor with the Colts in 2026. For now, fantasy managers should be ignoring him as a late-round flier in favor of higher-upside receivers, but if Alec Pierce (ankle) is not ready for the start of the regular season, Westbrook-Ikhine will become a bit more interesting as a deep sleeper.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.9 0.4 0.0 2.0 19.3 0.2

John Metchie III News

John Metchie III Leads Team in Receiving, Builds Momentum Toward WR3 Role

Saturday, August 22, 3:03 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III caught six of seven targets for 77 yards in Friday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Metchie showed a strong rapport with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett and led the Panthers in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Xavier Legette (ankle) had his ankle "rolled up on" during Wednesday's practice and did not play Friday, opening an opportunity for Metchie. Legette is also dealing with foot soreness and is day-to-day, according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales. Metchie made the most of Legette's absence with a strong showing. However, he did not get any work with the first-team offense and didn't log his first catch until the second half. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the unquestioned starters and top wideouts for the Panthers. With third-round rookie Chris Brazzell (knee) out for the season, Metchie is battling Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., and David Moore for Carolina's WR3 gig. If Metchie can win Carolina's WR3 role, he becomes a late-round flier in deep leagues and remains a dynasty stash for now.


Nick Westbrook-Ikhine vs. John Metchie III

Still trying to decide between Westbrook-Ikhine and Metchie III? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is projected to score 3.4 points this week while John Metchie III is projected to score 4.9 points.