Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Tez Johnson

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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.

Tez Johnson - Tampa Bay (WR)

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
2.3	1.0	0.0	0.8	9.6	0.1

Tez Johnson News

Tez Johnson Sustained a Groin Strain

Wednesday, August 5, 7:11 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Tez Johnson sustained a groin strain, as reported by senior team writer Scott Smith. Head coach Todd Bowles shared the injury news on Wednesday, also noting that receiver Jalen McMillan banged his knee a couple of days ago and that the team would be careful with him. While neither injury sounds like a long-term concern, the absences could create more opportunity for rookie Ted Hurst to work with the first-team offense after drawing positive reviews in recent practices. Johnson made 28 catches as a rookie for 322 yards, but in a deep receiver room, he's unlikely to hold more than a rotational role in 2026 and is RotoBaller's WR108.

Xavier Smith vs. Tez Johnson

Still trying to decide between Smith and Johnson? 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 Tez Johnson is projected to score 2.3 points.