Who Should I Start? Ted Hurst III or Zachariah Branch

START

Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
5.6 0.2 0.0 1.9 27.5 0.1

Ted Hurst III News

Ted Hurst III is Too Risky To Trust in Week 5

Wednesday, October 7, 4:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III is someone who could be an interesting stash option in deep leagues or dynasty formats. The rookie wideout seemed to be on the verge of breaking out before quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was injured. Now, the value of Hurst is expected to take a hit with rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels under center. Last week, Hurst finished with two receptions on three targets for 25 yards in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. Hurst offers big-play ability, but this offense can't seem to get anything going consistently. Hurst gets a plus-matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 5, but that's still not enough to warrant starting him in Week 5.

BENCH

Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.9 0.2 0.0 1.1 12.7 0.1

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch's Arrow Pointing Slightly Up, but Still Off Flex Radar in Week 3

Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch reeled in both of his targets in Week 3 for 14 yards. It is something worth monitoring, as the team's 2026 third-round draft pick could carve out a role with fellow wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus doing little to start off 2026, although that has mostly been the case for everyone on Atlanta not named Bijan Robinson. Still, there was some buzz surrounding Branch in camp, and with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) now back under center for the Falcons, there should be a bit more effectiveness to this offense. Put the 22-year-old on the watch list for now, but there is little reason to use him in Week 3 in a road matchup against the Packers, as the Georgia product is ranked at WR No. 103 this week at RotoBaller.

Ted Hurst III vs. Zachariah Branch

Still trying to decide between Hurst III and Branch? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ted Hurst III is projected to score 5.6 points this week while Zachariah Branch is projected to score 2.9 points.