Jaylen Waddle vs Ladd McConkey
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- Experts agree: consensus rank 33 vs 34
- More points per game: 9.1 vs 7.8
- More opportunity: 68% snap share, 4 red-zone touches
Jaylen Waddle and Ladd McConkey are a common 2026 draft-day decision at wide receiver. Jaylen Waddle holds the edge in expert consensus (WR17 to WR18). Ladd McConkey typically comes off the board first, around pick 36 (round 3) to Jaylen Waddle's pick 44. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Ladd McConkey at 228 PPR points (13.4 per game) versus Jaylen Waddle at 221.
Last season Jaylen Waddle carried the heavier workload (68% snap share, 47 touches to Ladd McConkey's 18), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Ladd McConkey is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Jaylen Waddle is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Ladd McConkey carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Waddle | McConkey |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 221 | 228 |
| Points / game | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Games played | 7 | 5 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #33 | #34 |
| ADP | 44 | 36 |
| Scoring rank (season) | WR36 | WR64 |
| Snap share | 68% | 38% |
| Red-zone touches | 4 | 2 |
| Age | 27 | 24 |
| Bye week | 10 | 7 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Jaylen Waddle or Ladd McConkey.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Jaylen Waddle or Ladd McConkey in 2026?
Jaylen Waddle is a clear call over Ladd McConkey for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Ladd McConkey carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Jaylen Waddle or Ladd McConkey?
Ladd McConkey carries the higher 2026 projection at 228 PPR points (13.4 per game), compared with 221 for Jaylen Waddle.
Where are Jaylen Waddle and Ladd McConkey being drafted?
Ladd McConkey has an ADP around pick 36 (round 3), while Jaylen Waddle goes closer to pick 44 (round 4).
Who is ranked higher, Jaylen Waddle or Ladd McConkey?
Expert consensus ranks Jaylen Waddle (WR17) ahead of Ladd McConkey (WR18) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.