DeVonta Smith or Dontayvion Wicks: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 3 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Smith’s target-earning role separates him, with a hamstring caveat

Start Smith: his WR1-caliber route work and commanding target share are the clearest separator in a matchup where Chicago and the shared team total offer neither receiver an edge. That involvement makes the preference sturdier than the projection gap alone, though receiver volatility keeps it from being a lock. Wicks has recent production and vertical, contested-catch upside, but his WR2 role leaves him more dependent on converting fewer chances. Smith’s Thursday hamstring DNP is the specific risk despite no current designation (Philadelphia Eagles 2026-09-25).

What flips it: A renewed hamstring-related practice limitation for Smith.

Sources: Philadelphia Eagles · Sep 25, 2026

AI editor

DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith

WR16PHIvs CHI

Projected Points

Start
Dontayvion Wicks

Dontayvion Wicks

WRPHIvs CHI

Projected Points

Toss-Up

DeVonta Smith’s market

REC
O/U 5.5
-115 / -111
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 70.5
-113 / -113
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+175
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Dontayvion Wicks’s market

REC
O/U 3.5
+130 / -166
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 42.5
-110 / -114
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+330
Anytime Touchdown Props →
PHI@
CHIMon, Sep 28, 8:15 PM ETView the game →
PHI@
CHIMon, Sep 28, 8:15 PM ETView the game →

Why DeVonta Smith

Start

WR1-caliber outside receiver. Elite route technician with reliable hands and high target volume.

Start — every-week WR start at consensus WR16: CHI is the 10th-toughest matchup vs WRs, 34% target share.

  • His route craft supports a dependable role, not just a favorable projection.
  • The Thursday hamstring absence is worth monitoring (Philadelphia Eagles 2026-09-25).

Latest on Smith

Status

DeVonta Smith did not participate in practice Thursday with a hamstring injury.

Philadelphia Eagles · Sep 25, 2026

Through two games this season, Smith had 19 targets, 13 receptions and 170 receiving yards, ranking sixth, seventh and 13th among pass catchers, respectively.

Eagles' DeVonta Smith is headed into another stratosphereESPN · Sep 28, 2026

Why Dontayvion Wicks

Toss-Up

WR2 with size and vertical ability. Field-stretching outside target with contested-catch upside.

Toss-up — projects WR48 this week: CHI is the 10th-toughest matchup vs WRs, 18% target share.

  • His vertical ability can turn a limited target load into a downfield spike week.
  • Back-to-back productive games give Wicks a credible case if he keeps earning chances.

Head-to-head stats

MetricDeVonta SmithDontayvion Wicks
Projected points
Consensus rankWR16—
Opponent vs positionCHI · 10 of 322-game sampleCHI · 10 of 322-game sample
Receptions1 of 321 of 32
Receiving Yards17 of 3217 of 32
Receiving TDs14 of 3214 of 32
Targets6 of 326 of 32
Anytime TD13 of 3213 of 32
Target share34%18%
Reception share33%18%
Implied total · spread22.5+1.522.5+1.5
Depth chartWR1WR2
Snap share92%77%
Start/Sit record—0–0+1 toss-up

Recent form

DeVonta Smith — last 2 weeks

Week 2vs TEN
Week 1vs WSH

Dontayvion Wicks — last 2 weeks

Week 2vs TEN
Week 1vs WSH

Signal breakdown

  • 15.6 vs 9.9 projected PPR pointsDeVonta Smith +
  • Consensus position rankeven
  • Opponent DvP rank 10 vs 10 (32 = softest)even
  • Implied 22.5 vs 22.5 team pointseven
  • No injury designationseven
  • 92% vs 77% snap shareDeVonta Smith +

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