DeVonta Smith vs Nico Collins: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between DeVonta Smith and Nico Collins for your lineup, you are not alone. DeVonta Smith finished the 2025 season at 9.6 PPG for the Philadelphia Eagles (17 games), and Nico Collins averaged 12.7 for the Houston Texans (15 games).
That 3.1-point weekly advantage for Nico Collins is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. DeVonta Smith turned 113 targets into 1008 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Nico Collins converted 120 looks into 1117 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 5 while Nico Collins is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
