Who Should I Start? Xavier Worthy or Devaughn Vele


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.7 5.0 0.0 3.0 38.8 0.2

Xavier Worthy News

Xavier Worthy Removed From Injury Report, Should Operate As WR2 In Week 1

Saturday, September 12, 11:47 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy was listed on the injury report with a shoulder injury but has since been removed after practicing fully all week. Worthy should operate as the WR2 for the Chiefs, behind Rashee Rice in the pecking order. Worthy could be in line for a sneaky good season if the Kansas City offense is able to bounce back. The addition of Kenneth Walker to the backfield could open up things downfield for Worthy to succeed. Defenses will not be able to focus solely on stopping the pass now that the Chiefs have a real threat at running back. Despite being set up to succeed, Worthy could have a hard time producing against the Broncos defense on Monday night. Injuries on the Kansas City offensive line could also make things difficult for Worthy. If Patrick Mahomes does not have time to let plays develop downfield, the passing game may have to focus on the short and intermediate parts of the field where Walker, Rice, and Travis Kelce operate. Worthy is ranked WR53 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a dart throw option in deep leagues given the tough matchup and his shaky role in the offense. Fantasy managers may be better off taking a wait-and-see approach with Worthy in Week 1.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
9.0 0.4 0.0 3.6 40.4 0.2

Devaughn Vele News

Devaughn Vele an Intriguing Deep-League Flex Option in Week 1

Saturday, September 12, 12:36 PM

Across 13 games in 2025, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded 25 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. The 28-year-old saw minimal usage early in the year, but his production picked up following the Saints' midseason trade of former wideout Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks. With Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on Injured Reserve to begin the year, Vele could once again be the WR2 alongside Chris Olave in New Orleans. In Week 1, the Saints have a favorable matchup on paper against a Detroit Lions defense that will be without both starting safeties in Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee). Across his final four games of 2025, Vele averaged over 12 PPR fantasy points per game. He profiles as an under-the-radar deep-league flex option in Week 1.


Xavier Worthy vs. Devaughn Vele

Still trying to decide between Worthy and Vele? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Xavier Worthy is projected to score 8.7 points this week while Devaughn Vele is projected to score 9.0 points.