Parker Washington vs Rashee Rice: Who Should You Start?
Parker Washington and Rashee Rice are both viable fantasy wide receivers heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Parker Washington averaged 9.7 PPG across 16 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Rashee Rice posted 15.5 PPG in 8 appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs.
A 5.8-PPG gap gives Rashee Rice the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. Parker Washington turned 95 targets into 847 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Rashee Rice converted 78 looks into 571 yards and 5 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Parker Washington sits Week 12 while Rashee Rice is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
