Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Tyrell Shavers

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Saturday, November 29, 12:12 PM

With his team's wide receiver room in flux, Buffalo Bills wideout Tyrell Shavers had a breakout game in Week 11, recording four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Shavers followed that game up with a dud against the Houston Texans in Week 12, recording zero catches on zero targets. Shavers also played fewer snaps against Houston than Bills wide receivers Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer (ankle), and Gabe Davis. Palmer is questionable to play in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury, but Buffalo also signed veteran wideout Brandin Cooks. For the season overall, Shavers has played fewer than 50% of his team's offensive snaps in every game but one. Shavers should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 13 against Pittsburgh.