Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or Keon Coleman

Friday, September 26, 2:17 PM

Buffalo Bills slot receiver Khalil Shakir found the end zone for the first time this season in a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Shakir also hauled in all four passes thrown his way for 45 yards, though it's alarming for fantasy managers that he combined for just six targets over the past two games. He averaged a little under seven per contest during a career year last season. While it's still early, Shakir is nowhere near his 2024 pace in catches, targets, or yards. He's now heading into a Week 4 matchup against a New Orleans defense that has given up the 11th-most fantasy points to receivers this year. The Saints had difficulty slowing down the Seattle Seahawks' top WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, in a blowout loss last week, as he tallied five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Shakir has never been a major TD threat, however, which makes it imperative for his targets to increase to 2024 levels if he's going to pay dividends for fantasy managers. Until that happens, it's tough to rely on Shakir, who's going into Sunday as RotoBaller's 40th-ranked WR.

Saturday, September 27, 11:12 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has cooled off considerably since his strong Week 1 breakout. Over the past two games, Coleman has totaled only six receptions for 46 yards, as the Bills have shifted toward a more run-heavy approach. Positive game script has also limited his involvement, with Buffalo holding comfortable leads in Weeks 2 and 3 and relying less on Josh Allen's arm. That trend could continue in Week 4, as the Bills are 15.5-point favorites against the New Orleans Saints. The matchup itself is relatively easy, with New Orleans allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Given the reduced usage and expected negative game script, Coleman should be viewed as a risky FLEX play rather than a reliable starter.