Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Zachariah Branch


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

Colts Sign Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Wednesday, March 18, 1:28 PM

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to an undisclosed deal. Westbrook-Ikhine had a career year in 2024 in his final year with the Tennessee Titans, catching 32 of his 60 passes for 497 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games played (nine starts). The 28-year-old spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and came back down to Earth in a big way with only 11 receptions on 20 targets for 89 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games (three starts). Michael Pittman Jr. is no longer in Indy, but at best, Westbrook-Ikhine will be the team's No. 3 wideout to begin the 2026 campaign behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Target-wise, he'd be fourth on the totem pole with tight end Tyler Warren also in the mix. Expect the former undrafted free agent out of Indiana to battle for the WR3 role with Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, and Laquon Treadwell.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.4 0.0 0.0 1.7 20.7 0.1

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Carries Sleeper Appeal into 2026

Sunday, June 28, 11:59 AM

After recording 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns across 14 games for the University of Georgia in 2025, wide receiver Zachariah Branch was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have a clear top two in their target pecking order in wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. However, Branch's top competition for the WR2 role behind London currently projects to be veteran wideouts Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson. Branch is clearly the highest upside option of the three and could be a significant piece of the Atlanta offense right away with a strong performance in training camp and the preseason. If Tua Tagovailoa opens the year as the Falcons QB1, Branch's ability to win from the slot could be a strong fit with Tagovailoa's preference to get the ball out quickly. As the WR70 by redraft ADP, Branch could be a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target.


Nick Westbrook-Ikhine vs. Zachariah Branch

Still trying to decide between Westbrook-Ikhine and Branch? 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 Zachariah Branch is projected to score 4.4 points.