Who Should I Start? Ja'Marr Chase or Khalil Shakir

Saturday, November 1, 11:51 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase entered the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets by catching at least one touchdown in each of his previous three games. While the former LSU Tiger didn't find the end zone in that one, he still had 12 catches for 91 yards. With the Bengals coming off a disappointing loss, they will try to get on track on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) didn't practice on Wednesday, which is not uncommon for older players, before being limited in Thursday's session. However, panic set in for fantasy managers when he didn't practice on Friday and was slapped with a questionable designation for Week 9. Fortunately, there's reason to believe the signal-caller will be out there on Sunday. It appears Flacco and Chase have quickly developed strong on-field chemistry in a short span, so the duo should continue to connect in the meeting with the Bears. If Flacco can't suit up, Jake Browning would be back under center. Although Browning's presence would presumably lower Chase's ceiling, the wideout remains a must-start for obvious reasons.

Saturday, November 1, 4:53 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has emerged as the go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen as the team heads into the second half of the season. The 25-year-old receiver has seen five or more targets in each of the last four games and has established himself in the passing game as the team has been without tight end Dalton Kincaid. With Kincaid returning, Shakir should have more room to operate against a Chiefs defense that will be struggling to determine what option they will take away. Kansas City's third-ranked pass defense, allowing 177.8 yards per game, will be the matchup to watch, leading to a lower floor than expected for this offense. Shakir projects as a flex option heading into Week 9.