Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Khalil Shakir

Sunday, October 5, 5:21 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor rushed 17 times for 66 yards and three touchdowns during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also caught three of four targets for an additional 20 receiving yards. While Taylor merely had modest yardage efficiency, he made up for it with his nose for the end zone. Taylor has had two different three-touchdown games over the last three weeks, and he ranks as the overall RB2 in fantasy football this season. He is also the league's leading rusher and has seven touchdowns. He should be deployed as a high-end RB1 every week, including next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

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.