Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or Josh Downs

Saturday, February 14, 9:44 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has put up strikingly similar stat lines over each of the past two seasons, averaging 93 targets, 74 receptions, 770 yards, and four touchdowns as the top wideout in what is usually thought of as a high-powered offense. While Shakir has provided a safe fantasy floor for the better parts of the past three seasons, it's unlikely he takes a huge leap forward in year five and would likely benefit from a more naturally fitting supporting role. After publicly disparaging 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman, the Bills have been repeatedly tied to wide receivers in what projects to be a very strong draft class. Any high-profile additions to the position will likely find work at the expense of Coleman. At the same time, Shakir could benefit from softer coverages while still seeing five to seven looks per game. While he will likely never profile as a fantasy league-winner, Shakir's floor is secure and could actually rise if Buffalo's offense can take a step under new head coach Joe Brady.

Thursday, January 29, 5:39 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs followed up a solid second season in the NFL with his worst yet in Year 3. Downs had career-lows in receptions (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four touchdowns in 16 games played. The 24-year-old pass-catcher also had a career-low 9.8 yards per catch as he operated as the team's No. 3 receiver behind Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. Even with quarterback Daniel Jones having a career resurgence before his season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the second half, Downs was unable to take advantage. He never clicked with Jones in the passing attack, and it didn't help that rookie tight end Tyler Warren caught 76 passes for 817 yards. Unless Indy releases Pittman this offseason to give Downs a clearer path to consistent targets, he won't be much more than a late-round dart throw with limited upside in 2026 fantasy drafts.