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Head to Head

Updated from live stats

DJ Moore vs Jaylen WaddleWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Jaylen Waddle is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 10.1 PPG to DJ Moore's 8.7 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Jaylen Waddle is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Jaylen Waddle edges DJ Moore by 1.4 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, Jaylen Waddle 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.

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WRChicago Bears#41
DJ Moore
PPG
8.7
Games
17
Rec
50
Rec Yds
682
Rec TDs
6
Targets
85
Bye
Week 10
WRMiami Dolphins#29PPG LEADER
Jaylen Waddle
PPG
10.1
Games
16
Rec
64
Rec Yds
910
Rec TDs
6
Targets
100
Bye
Week 6

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
DJ Moore
Jaylen Waddle

Head to Head

8.7 PPG10.1 PPG
17 GP16 GP
Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 6

Fantasy Tiers

DJ Moore: Tier 5 (Deep League) WR (ranked #41 at the position). Jaylen Waddle: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) WR (ranked #29 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, DJ Moore is producing at 40% of elite pace and Jaylen Waddle at 46%. That ranking gap means Jaylen Waddle carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

DJ Moore vs Jaylen Waddle: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. DJ Moore finished the 2025 season at 8.7 PPG over 17 games with the Chicago Bears, while Jaylen Waddle clocked in at 10.1 across 16 appearances for the Miami Dolphins. A 1.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. DJ Moore turned 85 targets into 682 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jaylen Waddle converted 100 looks into 910 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.

One scheduling note: DJ Moore is off Week 10 and Jaylen Waddle Week 6. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in wide receiver for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

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: DJ Moore (age 29) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Jaylen Waddle (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

  • Jaylen Waddle outscored DJ Moore by a projected 24 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • DJ Moore played 17 games in 2025 compared to Jaylen Waddle's 16. That durability gap means DJ Moore contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • DJ Moore scored 8 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.5 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
  • Jaylen Waddle saw 100 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

DJ Moore vs Jaylen Waddle: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatDJ MooreJaylen Waddle
PPG (Half-PPR)8.710.1
Games Played1716
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)148162
Receptions5064
Rec/Game2.94.0
Receiving Yards682910
Rec Yds/Game40.156.9
Receiving TDs66
Targets85100
Target Share/Game5.06.3
Age2927
Experience7 yrs4 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 10Week 6

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Jaylen Waddle holds the PPG edge with serviceable output at 10.1 points per game. DJ Moore averaged 8.7 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start DJ Moore or Jaylen Waddle in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Jaylen Waddle has the edge at 10.1 PPG compared to DJ Moore's 8.7 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 DJ Moore and Jaylen Waddle average in 2025?

DJ Moore averaged 8.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Jaylen Waddle averaged 10.1 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 1.4 points per game.

When are DJ Moore and Jaylen Waddle's bye weeks in 2026?

DJ Moore (CHI) has a bye in Week 10, and Jaylen Waddle (MIA) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is DJ Moore or Jaylen Waddle a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?

Jaylen Waddle outscored DJ Moore by 1.4 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.

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