DK Metcalf vs Jaylen Waddle: Who Should You Start?
The gap between DK Metcalf and Jaylen Waddle is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.4 PPG in 2025, this is one of those wide receiver decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 PPG with the Pittsburgh Steelers across 15 games, and Jaylen Waddle posted 10.1 with the Denver Broncos in 16.
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.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. DK Metcalf turned 99 targets into 850 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.
DK Metcalf has his bye in Week 9, and Jaylen Waddle rests in Week 14. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at wide receiver for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
