Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Khalil Shakir

Friday, December 5, 3:35 PM

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.

Saturday, December 6, 7:44 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir matched a season low with just one reception for five yards on four targets in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bills opted for a heavy run approach with 51 total carries to 23 pass attempts, and Shakir's production suffered as a result. His four targets tied for the second most on the team, but it was another frustrating performance for his fantasy managers. The 25-year-old now has three games with only one reception after recording zero such games in his breakout 2024 season. Shakir is still the clear top target for the Bills, but their run-heavy offensive approach limits his ceiling. He could have some targets taken away in Week 14 against the Bengals with the potential return of top tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring), who is currently listed as questionable to play for the first time since Week 10. It could be a great spot for Shakir to bounce back against a Bengals defense that has been the worst in the league. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR27 in PPR formats in Week 14.