Who Should I Start? Kristian Wilkerson or Tyrell Shavers

Saturday, August 24, 10:36 AM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson made a solid impression in the Raiders' preseason finale, snagging three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 24-24 tie to the San Francisco 49ers. While this performance boosts his chances of making the final roster, fantasy managers should temper their expectations. Even if Wilkerson secures a spot, he's likely to be no higher than fifth or sixth on the depth chart. In the Raiders' offense, this translates to minimal regular-season opportunities, barring multiple injuries ahead of him. His preseason touchdown showcases some red-zone potential, but Wilkerson's fantasy relevance will be severely limited with established targets like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers ahead of him. At best, he's a name to remember for deep dynasty leagues or as a potential in-season waiver wire option if injuries decimate the Raiders' receiving corps. For now, Wilkerson remains off the radar in all but the deepest of fantasy formats.

Thursday, August 1, 9:46 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was an undrafted free-agent signing out of San Diego State last offseason, and according to Nick Wojton of the Bills Wire, he could be trending toward making the team's 53-man roster this season. With a need for wide receivers, it was always likely that the "training camp darling" in 2024 was going to be a receiver. It is and it's Shavers," Wojton wrote. " [He] has made plays, leading to him getting reps with the first-team offense. He could be securing a roster spot already and Shavers is a name to watch when the preseason rolls around." The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Alabama, meaning he was once viewed as a top talent and high-school recruit. While the odds are likely against him to make a fantasy impact in 2024, the Bills have just one receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen in a regular-season game (Khalil Shakir). If Shavers makes the opening roster, he can be viewed as a deep dynasty league stash, and his opportunities should be monitored early in the new campaign.