Who Should I Start? Jared Goff or Khalil Shakir

Friday, October 3, 4:33 PM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled in Week 4 in a difficult matchup against the Cleveland Browns, completing just 59.3% of his pass attempts for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The 30-year-old has now thrown for 929 yards, nine touchdowns, and two picks through his first four games of 2025. Goff gets an easier matchup on paper in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL (1,089) through the first four weeks of the season. The Lions currently rank ninth in the league in yards per pass attempt (7.6), so they should be able to find success moving the ball through the air. Goff profiles as a low-end fantasy starter in single-QB formats and a must-start quarterback in two-QB leagues in Week 5.

Saturday, October 4, 6:12 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been the definition of a boom-or-bust fantasy option through the first four weeks of the season, posting point totals of 9.4, 1.7, 12.5, and 15.4. His limited usage in the offense--typically fewer than six targets per game--makes him heavily touchdown dependent, which creates weekly volatility for fantasy managers. While Shakir's big-play ability gives him upside, it's difficult to predict when those breakout games will come, making him far more valuable in best ball formats than in standard redraft leagues. Heading into Week 5, Shakir should be treated as a mid-level flex option, ranking behind more reliable volume-based receivers such as Wan'Dale Robinson and Ladd McConkey. Managers seeking a safe floor may want to look elsewhere, but those chasing upside can still take the gamble.