Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Khalil Shakir

Wednesday, July 9, 3:34 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk was dealt from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round NFL Draft pick this offseason. The 28-year-old had a fantastic first season with Jacksonville in 2022, but injuries and offensive woes limited his production in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he tallied just 27 receptions for 379 yards and one score in eight games while Brian Thomas Jr. took over the WR1 role. Now in Houston, he is seemingly competing with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for the WR2 job behind Nico Collins. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime believes Kirk might be the favorite to win that job. "The best way to step into the No. 2 or No. 3 role is building chemistry with CJ.. Stroud," Bien-Aime wrote. "And Kirk looked like a potential safety blanket for the third-year signal-caller." While this is promising for Kirk's fantasy prospects, the veteran has eclipsed 800 yards in just two of his seven NFL campaigns, and Houston's acquisitions of Higgins and Noel could suggest they were not comfortable with Kirk in the clear WR2 role. That said, his cost in drafts outside the top 50 WRs makes him an interesting dart throw in all formats.

Thursday, August 7, 9:38 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is progressing nicely through a high ankle sprain, according to coach Sean McDermott, and the 25-year-old receiver is currently on pace to be ready for Week 1. Shakir had 100 targets in 15 games last season with career highs of 76 catches, 821 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Shakir is expected to be the team's top receiver once again this season, and it's good news that he should be available for Week 1. If he's limited or does miss time, there would be more work for Keon Coleman and newcomers Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer. While he will likely miss most of the preseason, Shakir's still a WR4 in standard leagues since he has such an established relationship with Josh Allen, but monitor his progress as the preseason continues.