Who Should I Start? Puka Nacua or Tetairoa McMillan

Friday, January 23, 3:35 PM

By his own lofty standards, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was held in check by the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round, hauling in just five catches for 56 yards on 10 targets. Things may not get any easier for Nacua in the NFC Championship Game, as he will face one of the best pass defenses in the NFL in the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and fifth in interceptions (18). Still, Nacua remains an elite wide receiver option for fantasy managers. Dating back to the regular season, the 24-year-old has earned double-digit targets in seven straight contests, recording seven touchdowns in that span. Nacua also had success in the regular season against Seattle, recording a combined 19 catches for 300 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets across two matchups. Even against a tough opponent, Nacua carries high-end upside at the wide receiver position. heading into the NFC Championship Game.

Tuesday, January 27, 12:39 PM

Across 17 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan recorded 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 targets. The number eight overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan established himself as the number one wide receiver in Carolina right away as a rookie. The 22-year-old also closed the season strong, recording five of his seven touchdown catches from Week 11 onwards. Heading into 2026, McMillan should have the benefit of stability in Carolina. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017 and figure to retain both quarterback Bryce Young and play-calling head coach Dave Canales. Carolina struggled to find reliable pass-catchers outside of McMillan in 2025, so the team could look to bring in additional talent. However, any potential additions seem unlikely to unseat McMillan as the option in the pass game. All in all, McMillan profiles as a fantasy wide receiver on the rise in both dynasty and redraft formats after his strong rookie season.