Who Should I Start? Khalil Shakir or Mason Taylor

Saturday, December 27, 10:25 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir hauled in four of five targets for 34 yards in the 23-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Despite being the Bills' current WR1, Shakir has struggled over the last four weeks, averaging three receptions for 30 yards. He is averaging 10.5 PPR points per game, ranking WR42 (the second-lowest among WR1s in the NFL). He faces the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to slot receivers this season. Second-year corner Cooper DeJean has been stellar this season, and fantasy managers should take notice before considering Shakir in their Week 17 starting lineups. While Josh Allen has been spectacular at home this season, given Shakir's recent struggles and a tough matchup, he is better off out of starting lineups on fantasy championship weekend.

Friday, December 26, 11:49 AM

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (neck) will be unavailable for Sunday's divisional clash with the visiting New England Patriots. The rookie is set to miss his third straight game after suffering a neck injury in Week 14's 48-20 loss to the Jaguars. Unfortunately for Taylor, he's yet to log even a limited practice since picking up the issue. With the 21-year-old missing again, teammate Jeremy Ruckert will play a majority of snaps at the position for Gang Green, while Jelani Woods and Stone Smartt mix in behind him. None of them projects to be particularly involved enough to matter for fantasy.