Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or DeVonta Smith

Wednesday, May 21, 3:10 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was not at Wednesday's practice, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 29-year-old has been a full participant in offseason workouts before this absence, but this is a situation to monitor as he heads into the final year of his contract. McLaurin's contract ranks 16th among wideouts in average salary ($23.2 million), and he could be looking for long-term security with a pay bump toward the top of the position after an 82-catch, 1,096-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2024. The former third-round pick has tallied five consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns and is finally playing with a high-level quarterback in rising sophomore Jayden Daniels. Fantasy managers should expect any issues to be resolved ahead of this season, and McLaurin has WR1 upside in Washington's explosive offense.

Monday, February 10, 12:31 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of his five targets for 69 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old epitomized consistency over the last month, catching exactly four passes in each of his four playoff games. At times, Smith has looked more productive than A.J. Brown, and he got the edge over his teammate on Sunday by pacing all Eagles receivers in catches and yards. Although Smith himself had some inconsistent moments throughout the regular season, there is no denying that he is a talented player in an incredibly potent offense. Even as he loses some opportunities to Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Hurts, there is clearly a path for Smith to finish as a mid-range WR2 in 2025 fantasy football.