Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Rashid Shaheed

Saturday, December 6, 9:32 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is coming off back-to-back games with at least five receptions and 60 or more receiving yards for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5. Samuel was managing a heel injury right around his season-best performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the next four games, the former San Francisco 49er totaled just 16 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets while adding three carries for three yards. The return of Terry McLaurin in Week 13 against the Broncos took away some targets from Samuel, but his presence also helps Samuel by allowing him to work underneath while McLaurin stretches the defense vertically. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will also be back on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, so Washington's offense will look pretty close to whole. The Vikings have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game and the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns this season, placing Samuel in WR3/flex territory for fantasy football in Week 14.

Monday, December 8, 7:24 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed turned in his first fantasy-relevant performance as a member of the Seahawks. Shaheed did most of his damage on a punt return for a touchdown. However, it was his four receptions on five targets that were encouraging. Most importantly, Shaheed's targets were far more downfield than they have been since he joined the Seahawks. He recorded 67 receiving yards on his four catches. Fantasy managers will not be able to count on a weekly punt return for a touchdown from Shaheed, but if his targets and route participation can continue to improve, he could end up being a solid add for the fantasy football playoffs. Shaheed should not be started in Week 15; however, he should be rostered in case his involvement in the offense continues to improve. With the stretch run of the NFL season upon us, it would behoove the Seahawks to get Shaheed more involved.