Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Khalil Shakir

Saturday, October 4, 1:54 PM

Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush is a fringe QB2/Superflex option with his team taking on the Houston Texans in Week 5. The veteran is filling in for the injured Lamar Jackson (hamstring) for what has been a highly effective offense, but obviously is not a 1:1 replacement for Jackson's part in the running game. Additionally, Rush will have a tough matchup, as Houston's defense is leading the NFL in scoring percentage (19%) by a significant margin and has been particularly hard on fantasy quarterbacks, allowing the second fewest points. Baltimore's offense has enough talent to give Rush a chance on Sunday, but only fantasy managers in deeper, two-QB formats should be considering him as a lineup option.

Saturday, October 4, 6:12 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been the definition of a boom-or-bust fantasy option through the first four weeks of the season, posting point totals of 9.4, 1.7, 12.5, and 15.4. His limited usage in the offense--typically fewer than six targets per game--makes him heavily touchdown dependent, which creates weekly volatility for fantasy managers. While Shakir's big-play ability gives him upside, it's difficult to predict when those breakout games will come, making him far more valuable in best ball formats than in standard redraft leagues. Heading into Week 5, Shakir should be treated as a mid-level flex option, ranking behind more reliable volume-based receivers such as Wan'Dale Robinson and Ladd McConkey. Managers seeking a safe floor may want to look elsewhere, but those chasing upside can still take the gamble.