Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

DeVonta Smith vs Ladd McConkeyWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DeVonta Smith is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 9.6 PPG to Ladd McConkey's 9.2 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

DeVonta Smith is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. DeVonta Smith edges Ladd McConkey by 0.4 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, DeVonta Smith goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

Want this verdict updated live on Sunday?

Track DeVonta Smith and Ladd McConkey in the DraftCall app and get their updates the moment they change.

Get the App

WRPhiladelphia Eagles#34PPG LEADER

DeVonta Smith

PPG

9.6

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

1,008

Rec TDs

Targets

113

Bye

Week 10

WRLos Angeles Chargers#38

Ladd McConkey

PPG

9.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

789

Rec TDs

Targets

106

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

DeVonta Smith

Ladd McConkey

Head to Head

9.6 PPG9.2 PPG

17 GP16 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

DeVonta Smith: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) WR (ranked #34 at the position). Ladd McConkey: Tier 5 (Deep League) WR (ranked #38 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, DeVonta Smith is producing at 44% of elite pace and Ladd McConkey at 42%. That ranking gap means DeVonta Smith carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

DeVonta Smith vs Ladd McConkey: The Full Breakdown

DeVonta Smith (9.6 PPG) and Ladd McConkey (9.2 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two wide receivers are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. DeVonta Smith played 17 games for the Philadelphia Eagles; Ladd McConkey suited up 16 times for the Los Angeles Chargers.

A 0.4-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.

Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. DeVonta Smith turned 113 targets into 1008 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Ladd McConkey converted 106 looks into 789 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: DeVonta Smith sits Week 10 while Ladd McConkey is off Week 7. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: DeVonta Smith (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Ladd McConkey (age 24) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset.

Did You Know?

•DeVonta Smith outscored Ladd McConkey by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•DeVonta Smith played 17 games in 2025 compared to Ladd McConkey's 16. That durability gap means DeVonta Smith contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Ladd McConkey scored 6 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
•DeVonta Smith saw 113 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

DeVonta Smith vs Ladd McConkey: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	DeVonta Smith	Ladd McConkey
PPG (Half-PPR)	9.6	9.2
Games Played	17	16
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	163	147
Receptions	77	66
Rec/Game	4.5	4.1
Receiving Yards	1,008	789
Rec Yds/Game	59.3	49.3
Receiving TDs	4	6
Targets	113	106
Target Share/Game	6.6	6.6
Age	27	24
Experience	4 yrs	1 yrs
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 7

Summary

Based on 2025 production, DeVonta Smith holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 9.6 points per game. Ladd McConkey averaged 9.2 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

Website vs App

Get the AI verdict on DeVonta Smith vs Ladd McConkey

DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality, recent trends, injury impact, and game script to give you a clear start/sit recommendation.

See everything in the app →

Launch List

Get the live verdict on DeVonta Smith vs Ladd McConkey

The DraftCall app delivers live game-day verdicts on every matchup. Join the launch list and we will email you the day it goes live for the 2026 NFL season, with your direct iOS and Android install links.

We will never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start DeVonta Smith or Ladd McConkey in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, DeVonta Smith has the edge at 9.6 PPG compared to Ladd McConkey's 9.2 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did DeVonta Smith and Ladd McConkey average in 2025?▾

DeVonta Smith averaged 9.6 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Ladd McConkey averaged 9.2 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

When are DeVonta Smith and Ladd McConkey's bye weeks in 2026?▾

DeVonta Smith (PHI) has a bye in Week 10, and Ladd McConkey (LAC) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is DeVonta Smith or Ladd McConkey a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?▾

DeVonta Smith outscored Ladd McConkey by 0.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.