Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or Brian Thomas Jr.

Wednesday, September 17, 1:36 PM

The Buffalo Bills relied more on the run than the pass in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, which didn't do wide receiver Khalil Shakir any favors. Shakir had tallied six or more targets in 14 straight games entering last Sunday, but that streak ended against the Jets. After catching one of two targets for 12 yards, he'll look to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Historically, Shakir has logged unspectacular numbers versus division-rival Miami, which has limited him to 20 catches, 260 yards, and no touchdowns in six career meetings. The 6-foot, 190-pounder caught 11 of 12 targets for 104 yards in two games against the Dolphins last year. That aligned with Shakir's season-long output during a 76-catch, 821-yard showing in 2024, and it's the type of respectable production fantasy managers should expect in Week 3.

Monday, September 15, 2:12 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (wrist) has not had the start that fantasy managers were hoping for after spending a late first or early second on him in drafts. His disappointing performance against the Bengals on Sunday saw him reel in four catches for 49 yards while making a bad drop near the goal line late in the game. According to head coach Liam Coen, Thomas Jr. was dealing with a wrist injury heading into the game. Having gone through a week of practice without appearing on the injury report, it's difficult to say when the injury was sustained or how much of a cause it has played in the lackluster start to his season. The Jaguars face the Texans in week 3, and it will be worth monitoring Thomas Jr.'s injury status throughout the week, but managers should continue to start him with better days presumably ahead.