Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Khalil Shakir

Friday, January 2, 2:42 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) was able to log limited practices on Thursday and Friday, and he carries a questionable designation into the team's Week 18 season finale against the Saints. Head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic about his availability for Sunday, but even if Mooney can play, he represents a high-risk, low-reward option for any fantasy managers still competing in Week 18. He has topped 35 receiving yards only once in his last 10 outings, and his Week 12 touchdown grab against the Saints remains his lone score on the year. The bull case for Mooney is that his best game of the season came in that Week 12 win in New Orleans, though it should be noted that the Saints have won four of five games since, including their last four.

Friday, January 2, 9:26 PM

On paper, the Buffalo Bills Week 18 matchup against the division-rival New York Jets is an excellent one for wide receiver Khalil Shakir and the rest of the offense. However, the Bills probably won't need to throw the ball all that much to get a victory and improve their seeding in the AFC playoff picture. Shakir is coming off a six-reception game in the Week 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the 25-year-old pass-catcher went for just 35 yards. Quarterback Josh Allen (foot) is expected to make the start in the regular-season finale against New York, but we wouldn't be surprised if Buffalo pulls him if the game is already in hand. It will make all of the Bills' offensive skill players somewhat riskier in fantasy lineups. Shakir has been more valuable in PPR formats in 2025, catching 72 passes on 95 targets. His fantasy value will take a hit if tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) makes his return.