DeVonta Smith vs Malik Nabers
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 · 86% confident
DeVonta Smith- Experts agree: consensus rank 21 vs 22
- More opportunity: 89% snap share, 10 red-zone touches
- Better positional rank: WR20 vs WR96
Malik Nabers carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
DeVonta Smith and Malik Nabers are a common 2026 draft-day decision at wide receiver. DeVonta Smith holds the edge in expert consensus (WR12 to WR13). Malik Nabers typically comes off the board first, around pick 26 (round 3) to DeVonta Smith's pick 33. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Malik Nabers at 237 PPR points (13.9 per game) versus DeVonta Smith at 229.
Last season DeVonta Smith carried the heavier workload (89% snap share, 113 touches to Malik Nabers's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Malik Nabers is the younger option (age 23), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, DeVonta Smith is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Malik Nabers carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Smith | Nabers |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 229 | 237 |
| Points / game | 11.9 | 14.3 |
| Games played | 17 | 4 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #21 | #22 |
| ADP | 33 | 26 |
| Positional rank | WR20 | WR96 |
| Snap share | 89% | 78% |
| Red-zone touches | 10 | 3 |
| Age | 27 | 23 |
| Bye week | 10 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: DeVonta Smith or Malik Nabers.
Frequently asked
Should I draft DeVonta Smith or Malik Nabers in 2026?
DeVonta Smith is a clear call over Malik Nabers for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Malik Nabers carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, DeVonta Smith or Malik Nabers?
Malik Nabers carries the higher 2026 projection at 237 PPR points (13.9 per game), compared with 229 for DeVonta Smith.
Where are DeVonta Smith and Malik Nabers being drafted?
Malik Nabers has an ADP around pick 26 (round 3), while DeVonta Smith goes closer to pick 33 (round 3).
Who is ranked higher, DeVonta Smith or Malik Nabers?
Expert consensus ranks DeVonta Smith (WR12) ahead of Malik Nabers (WR13) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.