The Eagles’ season is collapsing after five consecutive losses, but first-round rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon just had the best Monday Night Football performance of his career — and the numbers behind it make him a priority pick-up before this week’s waiver wire deadline.
Philadelphia Eagles first-round rookie Makai Lemon caught a team-high seven passes for 67 yards and his first career NFL touchdown in Monday night’s 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Lemon’s 2026 season totals now stand at 25 receptions for 194 yards across seven games, with 86 yards after the catch. DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks both missed the game with injuries, and backup quarterback Tanner McKee started for Philadelphia. The Cowboys won 38-21 on October 26, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field.
If you play in a PPR (points per reception) fantasy football league, Makai Lemon is an immediate Week 8 waiver-wire addition while DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks recover. Lemon averages a modest 7.76 yards per reception on short routes and screens, but his 86 yards after catch and team-high seven receptions Monday night give him a safe weekly floor in an Eagles offense constantly playing from behind.
The real case for picking up Lemon isn’t just the two injured wideouts above him on the depth chart. Against a Dallas team that entered Monday Night Football ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 76.0 yards, the Eagles surrendered 204 rushing yards while recording zero quarterback hits and zero tackles for loss. When a defense can’t stop the run and can’t pressure the quarterback, opponents run clock and force the Eagles to throw the moment they fall behind. That pattern means Lemon gets volume regardless of who’s healthy.
The NFL trade deadline arrives next week. With five straight losses and one of the worst defensive statistical profiles in the league, Philadelphia may sell veteran assets before the deadline — which would open additional snap and target share for Lemon going forward. Check the Week 8 fantasy football waiver wire rankings for full context on how he stacks against other available receivers.
How many catches did Makai Lemon have against the Cowboys? Philadelphia Eagles first-round rookie Makai Lemon caught a team-high seven passes for 67 yards and his first career NFL touchdown in Monday night’s 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, bringing his 2026 season totals to 25 receptions for 194 yards across seven games.
Check the injury report for DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks to gauge how long Lemon holds his current role in the offense.
