Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Khalil Shakir

Friday, September 6, 8:22 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished as the fantasy WR26 last season and will be looking to establish himself as a true number-one option in 2024. His first opportunity to do so will come against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Atlanta was stout against opposing wideouts in 2023, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position. To make matters worse, it is currently unclear who will throw Pickens the ball on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) officially listed as questionable. The good news for fantasy managers is that Wilson or Justin Fields under center should be a clear upgrade for Pickens compared to the Steelers' quarterbacks of the past two years. Pittsburgh demonstrated its confidence in Pickens as a WR1 when it traded away Diontae Johnson in March, setting up the 23-year-old for a breakout campaign. There is risk in relying on Pickens this week, but he offers a high ceiling as a low-end WR2 or flex play despite a difficult matchup.

Friday, September 6, 11:42 AM

The one returning Buffalo Bill at the position, Khalil Shakir could become the top wide receiver option for Josh Allen in 2024. While he may be the betting favorite, the target distribution in Buffalo is one of the biggest question marks for fantasy football. Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie Keon Coleman were all selected late in fantasy football drafts. Shakir will operate primarily out of the slot, giving him a safe PPR floor against a shaky Arizona defense. It's hard to project Shakir or any other wideouts booming in the team's season opener. Allen will spread the ball around while they establish a hierarchy. Because of the uncertainty, Shakir can be left on benches as a WR4 in most league formats and sizes. But if there's one Buffalo wide receiver to start in Week 1, it's Shakir.