Harold Fannin Jr. or Kalif Raymond: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 4 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Fannin’s TE1 volume meets Raymond’s better scoring runway

Fannin’s TE1 role and heavy snap load give him a steadier weekly foundation; ESPN 2026-10-01 notes he has reached six targets in each of his past two games. Raymond counters with a much friendlier scoring environment: Chicago’s higher implied total gives its WR3 more touchdown upside, and his target share keeps him involved. Fannin’s tougher matchup and lower team scoring outlook offset his fuller role, while Raymond’s WR3 slot and lighter snap load make his workload less secure. Both remain starts, with neither profile clearly separating from the other. [ESPN 2026-10-01]

What flips it: A confirmed increase in Raymond’s role in the Bears’ passing game.

Sources: ESPN · Oct 1, 2026

AI editor

Harold Fannin Jr.

Harold Fannin Jr.

TE5CLEvs PIT

Projected Points

Start
Kalif Raymond

Kalif Raymond

WRCHIvs NYJ

Projected Points

Start· medium

Harold Fannin Jr.’s market

REC
O/U 4.5
-112 / -114
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 40.5
-113 / -113
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+300
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Kalif Raymond’s market

REC
O/U 3.5
+111 / -142
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 31.5
-110 / -114
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+390
Anytime Touchdown Props →
PIT@
CLEThu, Oct 1, 8:15 PM ETView the game →
NYJ@
CHISun, Oct 4, 1:00 PM ETView the game →

Why Harold Fannin Jr.

Start

TE1 and high-volume receiving target. Move tight end and mismatch chess piece with YAC ability.

Start — every-week TE start at consensus TE5: 22% target share, 11.2 PPR projected vs PIT.

  • TE1 deployment makes Fannin less dependent on a wideout rotation for routes.
  • His mismatch and YAC skill can turn short-area chances into chunk gains.

Latest on Fannin

Role

Fannin has seen at least six targets in each of his past two games.

How to bet Steelers Browns on TNF: Analysis, tips and top prop playsESPN · Oct 1, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Why Kalif Raymond

Start· medium

Veteran WR3 and slot/return specialist. Undersized speed piece with quickness and punt-return value.

23% target share on a 27.0 implied total backs a 10.1-point projection; neutral NYJ matchup (14 of 32) keeps him a flex-level start.

  • Chicago’s scoring outlook gives a slot specialist more paths to a touchdown.
  • Raymond’s veteran slot role supports steady target access, even with fewer snaps.

The call

  • Usage is the driver: a 23% target share over 3 games is strong for a WR-3, though a 66% snap share means he isn't on the field every down.
  • Game environment helps: a 27.0 implied team total and -8.5 spread point to a productive offense. A big lead could shift volume to the run late.
  • Matchup is neutral, not a boost: NYJ ranks 14 of 32 vs WRs, but on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so lean on role over DvP.
  • A 10.1 PPR projection with no injury designation clears typical replacement level in 12-team leagues. The ESPN headline adds no verified news, so confidence stays medium.

Latest on Raymond

How to bet Eagles-Bears on MNF: Analysis, tips and favorite plays

Odds and analysis to help you bet Eagles-Bears on "Monday Night Football."

ESPN · Sep 28, 2026
Kalif Raymond proving to be reliable veteran target for Bears offense

Despite being the Bears' leading receiver in their Week 1 win over the Panthers, Kalif Raymond is focused more on the team's success than his personal stats, saying, "I don’t really look at that stuff ... we won, and that’s all I’m thinking about."

chicagobears.com · Sep 18, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

MetricHarold Fannin Jr.Kalif Raymond
Projected points
Consensus rankTE5—
Opponent vs positionPIT · 7 of 323-game sampleNYJ · 14 of 323-game sample
Receptions2 of 3220 of 32
Receiving Yards10 of 324 of 32
Receiving TDs10 of 3215 of 32
Targets2 of 3215 of 32
Anytime TD9 of 3214 of 32
Target share22%23%
Reception share25%29%
Implied total · spread19.0+2.527.0-8.5
Depth chartTE1WR3
Snap share85%66%

Recent form

Harold Fannin Jr. — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs CAR
Week 2vs TB
Week 1vs JAX

Kalif Raymond — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs PHI
Week 2vs MIN
Week 1vs CAR

Signal breakdown

  • 11.2 vs 10.1 projected PPR pointsHarold Fannin Jr. +
  • Consensus position rankeven
  • Opponent DvP rank 7 vs 14 (32 = softest)Kalif Raymond +
  • Implied 19.0 vs 27.0 team pointsKalif Raymond +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 85% vs 66% snap shareHarold Fannin Jr. +

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