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

Sunday, February 22, 4:21 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had another strong season in 2025. While he wasn't able to replicate his WR1 finish from 2024, he still had a big year with 125 catches, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns across 16 games. He was the WR4 in PPR leagues, extending his streak to five consecutive finishes within the top 12. It was impressive to see Chase thrive even without Joe Burrow throwing him passes for the whole season. He spent plenty of games with Joe Flacco and Jake Browning, which limited his upside on a week-by-week basis. That partial-season quarterback downgrade is likely why Chase only scored eight touchdowns, relative to his 17 from the year before. Burrow's health is never a guarantee, but if the quarterback can stay healthy for most of 2026, Chase and fellow receiver Tee Higgins should both benefit. He's still a top-three receiver with overall WR1 upside in both redraft and dynasty leagues. If there's ever a time to get him at a slight discount in dynasty trades, it might be now.

Saturday, February 14, 9:44 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has put up strikingly similar stat lines over each of the past two seasons, averaging 93 targets, 74 receptions, 770 yards, and four touchdowns as the top wideout in what is usually thought of as a high-powered offense. While Shakir has provided a safe fantasy floor for the better parts of the past three seasons, it's unlikely he takes a huge leap forward in year five and would likely benefit from a more naturally fitting supporting role. After publicly disparaging 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman, the Bills have been repeatedly tied to wide receivers in what projects to be a very strong draft class. Any high-profile additions to the position will likely find work at the expense of Coleman. At the same time, Shakir could benefit from softer coverages while still seeing five to seven looks per game. While he will likely never profile as a fantasy league-winner, Shakir's floor is secure and could actually rise if Buffalo's offense can take a step under new head coach Joe Brady.