Fantasy Football Player Notes

Last year, Tetairoa McMillan had a strong rookie season as the WR20 in fantasy points per game despite a limited passing volume offense and up-and-down quarterback play from Bryce Young. Last year, in Weeks 3-18, Young surpassed 35 passing attempts only once, had only two games with more than 225 passing yards, and directed an offense that was fifth in neutral rushing rate. It's concerning for McMillan's floor and ceiling, especially with Jalen Coker being fully healthy entering the season (Coker wasn't a full-time player until Week 8 last season). I don't doubt McMillan's talent for a second. I was heavily invested in him for fantasy purposes last year, but I find making the same investment this season tougher with a limited passing volume offense restricting him and Coker representing improved target competition for McMillan in 2026. Last year, McMillan, among 109 qualifying receivers, ranked 14th in target share (23.1%), 19th in receiving yards per game (59.6), 27th in yards per route run (1.94), 15th in first-read share (28.5%), and 17th in first downs per route run (0.105, per Fantasy Points Data). McMillan could easily finish as a strong WR2 again this season, but he could also see a dip to WR3 status if Coker is able to cut into his target share and touchdowns, or if Bryce Young face plants again this season.

The Carolina passing attack will flow through Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker this season, especially with Chris Brazzell now missing up to eight weeks with a torn LCL. Last year, when Coker was at his healthiest (quad injury early in the year) during Weeks 13-19, he was challenging Tetairoa McMillan for the top spot in Carolina's aerial attack. During that stretch, Coker had a 20% target share (McMillan 18.3%), 2.30 yards per route run (McMillan 1.78), four red zone targets (McMillan, one), and a 28.3% first-read share (McMillan 26.1% per Fantasy Points Data). In those six games played, Coker finished with at least 14 PPR points four times. Coker is a late-round priority for me this season. The massive divide between McMillan and Coker in ADP should not exist. Enjoy the value.