Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Khalil Shakir

Saturday, October 25, 11:13 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is in the midst of quite a rough fantasy season. Outside of his big game against the Detroit Lions, he's scored a total of nine fantasy points in the other five games in half-PPR formats. It turns out that when Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is hurt, there's no one to throw a deep ball to Bateman. In Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, Bateman could have his starting QB back under center with a good matchup in front of him. Nahshon Wright is likely to lineup opposite him, and he's allowed 8.6 yards per target and four touchdowns so far this year. Bateman's value is quite dependent on Jackson playing, so he'll be off the fantasy radar if the two-time MVP can't suit up.

Sunday, October 26, 7:50 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught six of seven targets for 88 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 8 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Buffalo absolutely dismantled Carolina, winning 40-9 thanks to a phenomenal outing from running back James Cook. While the Bills leaned on the rushing attack, the passing game impressed, too. That's where Shakir comes in, as he led the team in all major receiving statistics and also scored the lone receiving touchdown. The 25-year-old had his best game of the season and has now scored at least 11 fantasy points (PPR) in five of seven contests. He ranks as the overall WR31 so far and should be viewed as a mid-to-high WR3/flex option heading into an exciting AFC showdown between the Bills and Chiefs.