Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Khalil Shakir

Monday, December 23, 2:58 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen caught five of his six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran route runner has found his 2024 footing over the last month, making himself a viable WR3/FLEX option over that stretch of play. As second-year quarterback Bryce Young has regained his confidence, Thielen has proven to be his most dependable and comforting target, a trend that will likely continue to close out the season. Since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 12, the 34-year-old has racked up 30 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns over five games. Thielen should remain a mid-range WR3/FLEX player in Week 17 with a questionable Tampa Bay secondary on the slate.

Sunday, December 22, 10:54 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught two passes for 22 yards in the team's 24-21 win over the New England Patriots. Two receptions tied a season-low mark for the slot receiver. Shakir led Buffalo wide receivers with six targets (only trailed tight end Dalton Kincaid's seven) but couldn't do much with the opportunities. Josh Allen typically targets Shakir on the short and intermediate routes. The pair couldn't connect on a couple of deep shots on Sunday. The entire Buffalo passing game was out of sync as Allen totaled 154 passing yards. Shakir and the Bills host the New York Jets next weekend.