DeVonta Smith vs Quentin Johnston: Who Should You Start?
The gap between DeVonta Smith and Quentin Johnston is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.8 PPG in 2025, this is one of those wide receiver decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. DeVonta Smith averaged 9.6 PPG with the Philadelphia Eagles across 17 games, and Quentin Johnston posted 10.4 with the Los Angeles Chargers in 14.
When two wide receivers are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Target volume is the story here. DeVonta Smith saw 113 targets in 2025, while Quentin Johnston drew 85. That workload gap usually translates into a higher weekly floor for DeVonta Smith, even in weeks where Quentin Johnston posts the bigger ceiling game. Consistency-minded managers lean toward target share; boom-bust managers chase the upside.
Both share a Week 5 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking wide receivers this deep on your bench, plan your replacement wide receiver early.
