Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, November 29, 11:32 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir had a big-time performance in Week 12, hauling in eight of 10 targets for 110 yards against the Houston Texans. His huge outing was his first 10+ target and 100+ yard game of the season. Shakir is averaging 11.5 PPR fantasy points per game, leading the way in Buffalo as the number one option in the passing game. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, who have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Steelers have also allowed the seventh most fantasy points per game to slot receivers this season, which is where Shakir likes to operate. After being an inconsistent option for fantasy managers at the beginning of the season, Shakir is a WR3/FLEX play in Week 13.

Friday, December 5, 3:48 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back in the lineup and facing one of the NFL's worst defenses in the Washington Commanders, but should be considered a volatile QB2 option for fantasy lineups. The second-year quarterback picked up two huge NFC North road wins earlier this season, but has once again missed significant time due to injuries and mostly struggled when available. McCarthy has 10 interceptions and a 54.1% completion percentage in his six starts, though Washington's defense has had its own issues. The Commanders have allowed scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL and rank in the bottom five against fantasy quarterbacks, and McCarthy has shown flashes of mobility with 120 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries. Managers approaching the fantasy playoffs in Superflex formats will have to evaluate McCarthy against their other options, but there is some hope that a talented Minnesota offense can finally turn a corner against a bad defense at home.