Both Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith and Minnesota Vikings wideout Jordan Addison have the opportunity to turn in big performances in Week 8. Smith is facing a Commanders secondary he’s historically torched, while Addison is looking to build on his WR1 overall performance from Week 7. But of the two, which is the better start in fantasy football for Week 8?
DeVonta Smith’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
After two excellent weeks to begin the 2023 season, Smith has taken a backseat to A.J. Brown as the top target in the Eagles’ offense. As a result, Smith’s numbers have been rather pedestrian over the past month — he’s scored double-digit fantasy points just once in those five contests.
Luckily for Smith managers, the third-year wide receiver has a favorable matchup this week against the Washington Commanders — a secondary allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wideouts this season. When the two clubs met in Week 4, Smith had a solid performance with a season-high seven catches for 78 yards (14.8 PPR points).
Smith has historically shined against Washington’s defense, too. Last year, Smith’s best game of the season — and arguably of his career — came in Week 3 against the Commanders, where he finished with eight catches for 169 yards and a touchdown (30.9 PPR points). He also turned in a respectable 15.9 PPR points during the second tilt between Philadelphia and Washington last November.
It’s understandable if Smith’s fantasy managers don’t feel comfortable starting him this week given his recent stretch of poor fantasy outings. But if there is any week for Smith to get back on track as a high-end fantasy wide receiver, this is the one.
Jordan Addison’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
The Vikings’ first-round pick this past April, Addison is coming off the best game of his career in Minnesota’s upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The former Pittsburgh and USC standout finished with seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns (31.3 PPR points) against the 49ers, a total good enough for the WR1 overall spot in Week 7.
With Minnesota’s star receiver Justin Jefferson still sidelined, Addison figures to be Kirk Cousins’ top wideout this week again versus the Green Bay Packers. Yet, the Packers’ defense is allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to receivers this season, so this week isn’t exactly the best matchup for Minnesota’s rookie receiver.
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However, it’s worth noting that Green Bay’s top cornerback, Jaire Alexander, is day-to-day with a back injury. If Alexander can’t suit up, Addison’s matchup becomes more favorable.
Even if Alexander plays, it’s difficult for Addison’s fantasy owners to keep him on the bench. The rookie is currently the WR14 overall and has scored four touchdowns in his last three games. At this point, especially with Jefferson out, Addison should be an every-week start.
Which of the WRs Should You Start?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Smith is the player to start. His projected 13.4 points include five receptions for 62.3 yards and 0.4 touchdowns. Smith’s projection slightly outperforms the consensus projection for Addison (13.0 points).
Despite this tool suggesting Smith is the better start, I believe Addison has the higher upside this week. With Jefferson out, Addison is the No. 1 wideout in his offense, while Smith is firmly cemented as the No. 2 receiver in Philadelphia’s passing attack.
Addison should have more opportunities than Smith – translating into more fantasy points. Yes, both players are good starts this week, especially considering Smith’s history against Washington. But having to choose between the two, Addison is the direction I’d personally lean.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!