Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Sterling Shepard


Week 1 Projections

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Rush
TD
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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mike Evans News

Mike Evans Brings a "New Dimension" to 49ers Offense

Tuesday, June 9, 5:14 AM

Playing for his first new team since the Buccaneers selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has been impressing his new teammates, with All-Pro tight end George Kittle recently telling reporters he brings a "new dimension" to the offense, particularly in the red zone. Evans has been complimentary of both his new system and quarterback, praising head coach and playcaller Kyle Shanahan for putting him in good opportunities against one-on-one coverage and noting that fifth-year professional Brock Purdy was one of the big reasons he came to San Francisco. The 49ers have deployed 21-personnel at the league's highest rate in each of the past two seasons, and with defenses needing to account for a fullback with an extra body near the box, Evans could see one of the highest rates of man coverage in his career, and if he can translate that into double-digit touchdown receptions, a mark he's cleared in four of the last six seasons, he'll prove to be a steal at RotoBaller's WR26.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sterling Shepard News

Sterling Shepard May Be Aging Out of Fantasy Relevance

Sunday, February 22, 10:27 AM

Across 13 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard recorded 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown on 53 targets. With veteran Buccaneers wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. sidelined for a significant portion of the year by injury, Shepard saw increased opportunity for playing time, particularly early in the season. However, he was largely unable to hold off Bucs rookie wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, and the late-season return of second-year wideout Jalen McMillan pushed Shepard even further down the depth chart. Shepard is now set for unrestricted free agency, and a change of scenery away from the crowded wide receiver room in Tampa Bay could help his fantasy outlook. Still, Shepard is entering his age-33 season and has not recorded 40 receptions in a season since 2020. Regardless of where he ends up in 2026, Shepard's fantasy-relevant days may be behind him.


Mike Evans vs. Sterling Shepard

Still trying to decide between Evans and Shepard? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mike Evans is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Sterling Shepard is projected to score 0.0 points.