DeVonta Smith or TreVeyon Henderson: Who Should You Start?

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

Start Smith for the dependable target role, with one hamstring caveat

Smith's route volume gives him a steadier path to production than Henderson's still-developing backfield role. Henderson flashed home-run ability in his debut, but both backs are expected to factor into New England's plan (CBS Sports 2026-09-25). Smith is the better start, though his Thursday hamstring absence is a real threat to that edge (Philadelphia Eagles 2026-09-25).

What flips it: Smith is downgraded or ruled out after the hamstring issue.

Sources: Philadelphia Eagles · Sep 25, 2026 · CBS Sports · Sep 25, 2026

AI editor

DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith

WR16PHIvs CHI

Projected Points

Start
TreVeyon Henderson

TreVeyon Henderson

RB27NEvs JAX

Projected Points

Sit

DeVonta Smith’s market

REC
O/U 5.5
-115 / -111
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 70.5
-117 / -114
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+175
Anytime Touchdown Props →

TreVeyon Henderson’s market

RUSH YDS
O/U 40.5
-120 / -111
Rushing Yards Props →
REC
O/U 1.5
-106 / -120
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 8.5
-110 / -114
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+180
Anytime Touchdown Props →
PHI@
CHIMon, Sep 28, 8:15 PM ETView the game →
NE@
JAXSun, Sep 27, 1:00 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: 34% target share, Questionable on the latest report.

  • His polished routes and reliable hands make his heavy target demand more bankable than a one-game usage sample.
  • A questionable tag matters here: the edge depends on Smith being healthy enough to handle his usual role.

Latest on Smith

Status

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

Philadelphia Eagles · Sep 25, 2026

Why TreVeyon Henderson

Sit

RB2 and explosive change-of-pace back. Home-run speed with pass-protection and receiving value.

Sit — RB27 consensus, projects RB31 this week: 0% target share, 10.5 PPR projected vs JAX.

  • The long touchdown in his debut showed the kind of breakaway upside that can beat a modest workload.
  • His receiving ability offers a route to value, but it has not yet become dependable weekly usage.

Latest on Henderson

Role

Running back TreVeyon Henderson made his 2026 debut in Week 2, earning 17 touches and scoring a 39-yard touchdown, with both running backs (Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson) likely to be involved in Week 3 game plan.

CBS Sports · Sep 25, 2026
Injury Report Analysis: RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to play, CB Carlton Davis III officially questionable for Week 2 vs. Steelers

Henderson (ankle) is expected to return for the Patriots, but New England could be down its starting cornerback vs. the Steelers on Sunday.

patriots.com · Sep 18, 2026
Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson says he's 'ready to go' for Week 2

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson said Thursday he's "ready to go" for Sunday's game against the Steelers after missing New England's opener with an ankle injury.

ESPN · Sep 17, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

MetricDeVonta SmithTreVeyon Henderson
Projected points
Consensus rankWR16RB27
Opponent vs positionCHI · 13 of 322-game sampleJAX · 13 of 322-game sample
Receptions6 of 3224 of 32
Receiving Yards17 of 3226 of 32
Receiving TDs15 of 32—
Targets10 of 32—
Anytime TD15 of 329 of 32
Rushing Yards—4 of 32
Rushing TDs—10 of 32
Rushing Attempts—4 of 32
Target share34%0%
Reception share33%0%
Implied total · spread22.5+1.522.0+1.5
Depth chartWR1RB2
Snap share92%60%
Injury designationQuestionable—

Recent form

DeVonta Smith — last 2 weeks

Week 2vs TEN
Week 1vs WSH

TreVeyon Henderson — last 2 weeks

Week 2vs PIT
Week 1vs SEA

Signal breakdown

  • 15.6 vs 10.5 projected PPR pointsDeVonta Smith +
  • Rank 16 vs 27DeVonta Smith +
  • Opponent DvP rank 13 vs 13 (32 = softest)even
  • Implied 22.5 vs 22.0 team pointsDeVonta Smith +
  • Questionable vs no designationTreVeyon Henderson +
  • 92% vs 60% snap shareDeVonta Smith +

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