Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Barion Brown

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
1.2	0.4	0.0	0.4	5.5	0.0

Xavier Smith News

Rams Tender Contracts to Harrison Mevis, Xavier Smith

Monday, March 2, 5:18 PM

The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that they tendered exclusive-rights free-agent kicker Harrison Mevis and wide receiver Xavier Smith. Neither Mevis nor Smith will be allowed to negotiate with other teams this offseason. Mevis, 23, made his NFL debut last year and was impressive, making 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts (made his lone try from 50-plus yards) and all 39 of his extra-point tries in nine regular-season games. He finished the year ranked as the No. 8 fantasy kicker in terms of fantasy points per game at 8.3. In the playoffs, Mevis was a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals (six) and extra-point tries. The former undrafted kicker out of Missouri should enter the 2026 season as the favorite to be L.A.'s starting kicker, which will make him pretty attractive in fantasy football in one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.

Barion Brown - New Orleans (WR)

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
1.4	0.0	0.0	0.5	6.4	0.0

Barion Brown News

Barion Brown's Absence Could Hint at Potential Role

Saturday, August 22, 6:24 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Barion Brown did not play in the 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Brown had a standout training camp and spent time with the first-team offense this summer. While an injury to the sixth-round pick is possible, the team may also have been unwilling to risk him given their injuries in the receiver room. With first-round pick Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) expected to miss time during the regular season and Mason Tipton still on the PUP list, Brown may have a role this season. The rookie receiver caught all four targets for 53 yards in last week's preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while playing the most snaps among active receivers. While Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele should be the lead receivers early in the season, Brown could carve out a full-time workload if he has a strong start.

Xavier Smith vs. Barion Brown

Still trying to decide between Smith and Brown? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Xavier Smith is projected to score 1.2 points this week while Barion Brown is projected to score 1.4 points.