Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Sterling Shepard

Saturday, October 11, 12:12 PM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks has recorded 12 catches for 103 yards on 16 targets across five games so far this season. The 32-year-old has served as the team's WR3 alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but if Week 5 is any indication, Cooks could be losing playing time. In Week 5, Cooks played just five more offensive snaps than Saints wideout Devaughn Vele after playing 56 more offensive snaps than Vele in Week 4. In Week 6, the Saints will take on the New England Patriots, who rank fifth-worst in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.2) through five games. Still, Cooks appears unlikely to see enough target volume to be fantasy relevant and could be losing playing time altogether in New England. Cooks should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 6.

Saturday, October 18, 8:56 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard could be asked to play a significant role in the upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Bucs are extremely banged up with Jalen McMillan (neck) and Chris Godwin (fibula) ruled out. Also, Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) are considered game-time decisions for Monday's game. If they sit, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson would be the primary wideouts. Shepard hasn't been great this season, but did finish with over 51 receiving yards last week. Given the injuries and bye weeks, Shepard is worth considering as a flex option for Week 7.