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.