Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Khalil Shakir

Wednesday, December 31, 3:41 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him," Carroll said. Smith suffered a serious ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants and won't suit up for a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. With the 35-year-old veteran wrapping up a brutal first year in the desert, backup Kenny Pickett is expected to start this weekend. Aidan O'Connell could also end up splitting time with Pickett against KC. Smith was one of the worst starting QBs in football in 2025, completing 67.4% of his 448 pass attempts for 3,205 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts.

Tuesday, January 13, 6:48 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir was one of the stars of his team's Wild Card Weekend win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 12 receptions for 82 yards on 12 targets. On a day when no other Buffalo pass-catcher earned more than five targets, Shakir proved he has earned the trust of Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Heading into the team's Divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos, Allen may be forced to lean on Shakir even more heavily. Buffalo wide receivers Gabe Davis (knee) and Tyrell Shavers (knee) both suffered season-ending knee injuries during the game against Jacksonville, further depleting an already undermanned Bills' wide receiver corps. Outside of Shakir, Buffalo will likely be relying on wideouts Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks, both of whom recorded fewer than 40 receptions during the regular season. Even in a tough matchup against Denver, Shakir profiles as a high-floor wide receiver option for fantasy managers given his high likelihood for significant target volume.