DeVonta Smith vs Jaylen Waddle
Two wide receivers fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
DeVonta Smith- Higher projection: 229 vs 221 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 21 vs 33
- More points per game: 17.3 vs 9.1
DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle are a common 2026 draft-day decision at wide receiver. DeVonta Smith holds the edge in expert consensus (WR12 to WR17). DeVonta Smith typically comes off the board first, around pick 34 (round 3) to Jaylen Waddle's pick 44. The 2026 projections are nearly even: DeVonta Smith at 229 PPR points (13.5 per game) versus Jaylen Waddle at 221.
Last season Jaylen Waddle carried the heavier workload (68% snap share, 47 touches to DeVonta Smith's 41), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, DeVonta Smith is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Smith | Waddle |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 229 | 221 |
| Points / game | 17.3 | 9.1 |
| Games played | 4 | 7 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #21 | #33 |
| ADP | 34 | 44 |
| Scoring rank (season) | WR32 | WR36 |
| Snap share | 86% | 68% |
| Red-zone touches | 3 | 4 |
| Age | 27 | 27 |
| Bye week | 10 | 10 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle.
Frequently asked
Should I draft DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle in 2026?
DeVonta Smith is a clear call over Jaylen Waddle for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle?
DeVonta Smith carries the higher 2026 projection at 229 PPR points (13.5 per game), compared with 221 for Jaylen Waddle.
Where are DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle being drafted?
DeVonta Smith has an ADP around pick 34 (round 3), while Jaylen Waddle goes closer to pick 44 (round 4).
Who is ranked higher, DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle?
Expert consensus ranks DeVonta Smith (WR12) ahead of Jaylen Waddle (WR17) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.