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DK Metcalf vs Ladd McConkey

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

WRPittsburgh SteelersPPG LEADER
DK Metcalf
PPG
10.5
Games
15
Rec
59
Rec Yds
850
Rec TDs
6
Targets
99
Bye
Week 9
WRLos Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey
PPG
9.2
Games
16
Rec
66
Rec Yds
789
Rec TDs
6
Targets
106
Bye
Week 5

Head to Head

10.5 PPG9.2 PPG
15 GP16 GP
Bye: Week 9Bye: Week 5

DK Metcalf vs Ladd McConkey: Who Should You Start?

DK Metcalf (10.5 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. DK Metcalf played 15 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Ladd McConkey suited up 16 times for the Los Angeles Chargers.

A 1.3-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. DK Metcalf turned 99 targets into 850 yards and 6 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: DK Metcalf sits Week 9 while Ladd McConkey is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 numbers favor DK Metcalf at 10.5 PPG, 1.3 points per game above Ladd McConkey's 9.2. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start DK Metcalf or Ladd McConkey in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, DK Metcalf has the edge at 10.5 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 DK Metcalf and Ladd McConkey average in 2025?

DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Ladd McConkey averaged 9.2 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 1.3 points per game.

When are DK Metcalf and Ladd McConkey's bye weeks in 2026?

DK Metcalf (PIT) has a bye in Week 9, and Ladd McConkey (LAC) has a bye in Week 5. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is DK Metcalf or Ladd McConkey a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?

DK Metcalf outscored Ladd McConkey by 1.3 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.