Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

Brian Thomas Jr. vs Ladd McConkeyWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Ladd McConkey over Brian Thomas Jr. in 2026.

Ladd McConkey averaged 9.2 PPG in 2025 to Brian Thomas Jr.'s 8.2, a 1.0 point per game edge. Both play wide receivers, so that per-game gap is the cleanest tiebreaker for a 2026 start or sit. Both land in Tier 3 at the position, so this is closer than the raw gap suggests.

The Bottom Line

This one is genuinely close. Ladd McConkey edges Brian Thomas Jr. by 1.0 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Ladd McConkey goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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Track Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey live in the DraftCall app.

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WRJacksonville Jaguars#47

Brian Thomas Jr.

PPG

8.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

707

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 7

WRLos Angeles Chargers#38PPG LEADER

Ladd McConkey

PPG

9.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

789

Rec TDs

Targets

106

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Brian Thomas Jr.

Ladd McConkey

Head to Head

8.2 PPG9.2 PPG

14 GP16 GP

Bye: Week 7Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Brian Thomas Jr.: Tier 3 (Deep League) WR (ranked #47 at the position). Ladd McConkey: Tier 3 (Deep League) WR (ranked #38 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, Brian Thomas Jr. is producing at 37% of elite pace and Ladd McConkey at 42%. That ranking gap means Ladd McConkey carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Brian Thomas Jr. vs Ladd McConkey: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Brian Thomas Jr. finished the 2025 season at 8.2 PPG over 14 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Ladd McConkey clocked in at 9.2 across 16 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers. A 1.0-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. Brian Thomas Jr. turned 91 targets into 707 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Ladd McConkey converted 106 looks into 789 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 7 bye. That means you need a backup plan at wide receiver for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Brian Thomas Jr. (age 23) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset. Ladd McConkey (age 24) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset.

Did You Know?

•Ladd McConkey outscored Brian Thomas Jr. by a projected 17 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Ladd McConkey played 16 games in 2025 compared to Brian Thomas Jr.'s 14. That durability gap means Ladd McConkey contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Ladd McConkey scored 6 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
•Ladd McConkey saw 106 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.
•Both players share a Week 7 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Brian Thomas Jr. vs Ladd McConkey: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Brian Thomas Jr.	Ladd McConkey
PPG (Half-PPR)	8.2	9.2
Games Played	14	16
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	115	147
Receptions	48	66
Rec/Game	3.4	4.1
Receiving Yards	707	789
Rec Yds/Game	50.5	49.3
Receiving TDs	2	6
Targets	91	106
Target Share/Game	6.5	6.6
Age	23	24
Experience	1 yrs	1 yrs
Bye Week	Week 7	Week 7

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Ladd McConkey holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 9.2 points per game. Brian Thomas Jr. averaged 8.2 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Brian Thomas Jr. or Ladd McConkey in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Ladd McConkey has the edge at 9.2 PPG compared to Brian Thomas Jr.'s 8.2 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey average in 2025?▾

Brian Thomas Jr. averaged 8.2 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Ladd McConkey averaged 9.2 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 1.0 points per game.

Do Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey share a Week 7 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at wide receiver for that week.

Is Brian Thomas Jr. or Ladd McConkey a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?▾

Ladd McConkey outscored Brian Thomas Jr. by 1.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.