Juwan Johnson or Ladd McConkey: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 4 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Johnson's scoring setup gives him the narrow edge over McConkey
Johnson’s red-zone and intermediate mismatch role makes New Orleans’ stronger scoring outlook especially useful for his position, while Atlanta’s matchup is less restrictive than Seattle’s. McConkey is still a sound START: his primary-target role offers a strong catch-volume path, though the tougher matchup and lower team scoring outlook trim his upside. Johnson gets the nod by a sliver; McConkey’s stronger projection keeps this from being a comfortable call.
What flips it: A clear target-volume advantage for McConkey over Johnson’s red-zone role.
AI editor
Juwan Johnson
6.68.610.6 Projected Points
Ladd McConkey
6.79.311.8 Projected Points
Juwan Johnson’s market
Ladd McConkey’s market
Why Juwan Johnson
Start· mediumTE1 and high-volume pass-catcher. Big-bodied converted receiver who is a red-zone and intermediate mismatch.
TE16 at 10.6 projected with a steady 15% target share and 66% snaps; favored offense at 24.0 implied makes him a viable TE1-fringe start.
- Johnson’s size and red-zone skill give his offense a direct route to turning scoring chances into tight-end production.
- His steadier snap role supports the call, but he still needs New Orleans to deliver on its scoring outlook.
The call
- Role is locked in: 66% snap share and 15% target share over 3 games is starter-level usage at a thin position where 10.6 projected PPR clears typical replacement options.
- Matchup leans favorable at 23 of 32 in DvP composite, but it rests on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so don't lean on it heavily.
- Game script is neutral-to-positive: a 24.0 implied team total and -2.5 spread point to steady volume and red-zone chances.
- The unverified headline about a Saints home loss doesn't change his role; with no injury designation, he's a startable back-end TE1 in 12-team leagues.
Latest on Johnson
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Why Ladd McConkey
StartWR1 and primary target. Elite separator from the slot or outside with precise route running.
Start — every-week WR start at consensus WR19: 17% target share, 11.8 PPR projected vs SEA.
- As the Chargers’ primary target, McConkey can build value through catches even if Seattle limits explosive plays.
- His higher projection is the clearest countercase; a more pass-heavy script could swing the comparison.
Latest on McConkey
Ladd McConkey was listed on the injury report with a rib injury and cleared to play Week 3.
Chargers.com · Sep 27, 2026Here is who won't play Sunday for the Chargers against Las Vegas
Take a look at the Chargers Injury Report ahead of Week 2 against the Raiders
McConkey did not practice Wednesday or Thursday for the Chargers
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Juwan Johnson | Ladd McConkey |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 6.68.610.6 | 6.79.311.8 |
| Consensus rank | TE16 | WR19 |
| Opponent vs position | ATL · 23 of 323-game sample | SEA · 8 of 323-game sample |
| Receptions | 22 of 32 | 9 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 18 of 32 | 1 of 32 |
| Receiving TDs | 27 of 32 | 7 of 32 |
| Targets | 24 of 32 | 15 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 26 of 32 | 6 of 32 |
| Target share | 15% | 17% |
| Reception share | 17% | 23% |
| Implied total · spread | 24.0-2.5 | 21.3+3.0 |
| Depth chart | TE1 | WR1 |
| Snap share | 66% | 61% |
| Start/Sit record | 0–0+3 toss-ups | — |
Recent form
Juwan Johnson — last 3 weeks
| Week 3 | vs LV | 15.319.323.3 |
| Week 2 | vs BAL | 6.68.610.6 |
| Week 1 | vs DET | 11.412.914.4 |
Ladd McConkey — last 3 weeks
| Week 3 | vs BUF | 6.68.610.6 |
| Week 2 | vs LV | 3.55.06.5 |
| Week 1 | vs ARI | 14.216.719.2 |
Signal breakdown
- 10.6 vs 11.8 projected PPR pointsLadd McConkey +
- Rank 16 vs 19Juwan Johnson +
- Opponent DvP rank 23 vs 8 (32 = softest)Juwan Johnson +
- Implied 24.0 vs 21.3 team pointsJuwan Johnson +
- No injury designationseven
- 66% vs 61% snap shareJuwan Johnson +
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