Fantasy Football Player Notes

DeVonta Smith steps into the clear WR1 chair for the Philly passing attack. Over the last two years, in a VERY small sample, Smith has proven that he can handle it. In three games since 2024, without A.J. Brown on the field, Smith has commanded a 32.9% target share while producing 2.65 yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Yes, I know the sample is tiny, but it is signal that Smith can command WR1-level volume and remain efficient while doing so. Last year, among 109 qualifying receivers, Smith was also 27th in separation and 28th in route win rate. Last year, Smith also drew a 22.7% target share while producing 2.03 yards per route run (22nd) and 0.089 first downs per route run (32nd). I expect all of those marks to improve in 2026 with Smith leading the way for Philly. He's a WR1/2 with some upside and an extremely high floor.

Makai Lemon enters the Eagles' depth chart as their possible WR2 this season behind DeVonta Smith. We have seen Jalen Hurts support multiple receivers in numerous seasons, so it wouldn't be a shock to see Hurts do it again this season and Lemon be a big beneficiary. Lemon finishes a productive collegiate career ranking sixth and 12th in yards per route run, ninth and 50th in missed tackles forced, and 60th and 28th in YAC per reception over the last two seasons (per PFF). Lemon is a solid WR4 to scoop up in drafts that could easily produce as a weekly WR2/3 during the heart of the fantasy season.

Dontayvion Wicks has been a separation-score and route-win-rate darling over the last two years, and could finally step into a bigger role this year in Philly. Makai Lemon is a talented rookie, but he's dealing with a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for much of training camp. This could allow Wicks to get a runway as the WR2 opposite DeVonta Smith. If that happens, Wicks might not let go of the job. Over the last two years, Wicks has ranked third and 24th in separation score and sixth and seventh in route win rate among all wide receivers with at least 200 routes (per Fantasy Points Data). Last year, Wicks posted a 21% target-per-route run rate, 1.56 yards per route run, and 0.099 first downs per route run. Those are strong per-route metrics for a late-round dart throw that could emerge in 2026. I'll take last-round fliers on Wicks in a ton of my leagues.