Kalif Raymond or Terry McLaurin: Who Should You Start?

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

McLaurin's lead role edges out Raymond's stronger Chicago setup

Start McLaurin: his WR1 role and heavier snap workload separate him from Raymond's WR-3 role, even with Chicago holding the slightly better scoring outlook. The edge is modest for receivers with nearly matched target shares and virtually identical matchup grades, and McLaurin's recent dip makes his floor the main concern. ESPN's report on Jayden Daniels' elbow injury adds a specific quarterback risk to Washington's offense.

What flips it: Jayden Daniels being ruled out.

Sources: ESPN · Sep 25, 2026

AI editor

Kalif Raymond

Kalif Raymond

WRCHIvs NYJ

Projected Points

Start· medium
Terry McLaurin

Terry McLaurin

WR22WSHvs IND

Projected Points

Start

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 →

Terry McLaurin’s market

REC
O/U 4.5
+116 / -148
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 51.5
-113 / -111
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+235
Anytime Touchdown Props →
NYJ@
CHISun, Oct 4, 1:00 PM ETView the game →
IND@
WSHSun, Oct 4, 9:30 AM ETView the game →

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.

  • Raymond has stayed fantasy-relevant in each of his three latest outings, keeping him viable as a flex.
  • His slot quickness gives Chicago a way to feature him even from the WR-3 spot.

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.

Why Terry McLaurin

Start

WR1 and offensive centerpiece. Explosive vertical route-runner with elite release package; missed time in 2025.

Start — WR22 consensus, projects WR25 this week: 26.0 implied team total, 24% target share.

  • McLaurin's lead-receiver role gives him a path to volume beyond what his recent results alone suggest.
  • Two straight single-digit outings show the downside if Washington's passing game falters.

Latest on McLaurin

What's next for Jayden Daniels, Commanders after elbow injury?

Experts weigh in on Daniels' latest injury and what it means for him, the Commanders and their collective futures.

ESPN · Sep 25, 2026
Terry McLaurin not worried about slow start to season

John Keim explains why Terry McLaurin has patience amid the Commanders' 0-2 start.

VideoESPN · Sep 24, 2026
Commanders say clip didn't reflect team response to Daniels injury

After a short video clip showed a number of Commanders walking past Jayden Daniels as he was being helped by medical personnel Sunday, many players fired back at the takes being spouted on social media, emphasizing, "It's bulls--- what people are saying."

ESPN · Sep 24, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

MetricKalif RaymondTerry McLaurin
Projected points
Consensus rank—WR22
Opponent vs positionNYJ · 14 of 323-game sampleIND · 15 of 323-game sample
Receptions20 of 3214 of 32
Receiving Yards4 of 3228 of 32
Receiving TDs15 of 3215 of 32
Targets15 of 325 of 32
Anytime TD14 of 3214 of 32
Target share23%24%
Reception share29%17%
Implied total · spread27.0-8.526.0-1.5
Depth chartWR3WR1
Snap share66%77%

Recent form

Kalif Raymond — last 3 weeks

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

Terry McLaurin — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs SEA
Week 2vs DAL
Week 1vs PHI

Signal breakdown

  • 10.1 vs 12.9 projected PPR pointsTerry McLaurin +
  • Consensus position rankeven
  • Opponent DvP rank 14 vs 15 (32 = softest)Terry McLaurin +
  • Implied 27.0 vs 26.0 team pointsKalif Raymond +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 66% vs 77% snap shareTerry McLaurin +

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