Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Sterling Shepard

Friday, January 23, 8:47 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be faced with a challenging matchup against the hosting Denver Broncos and star cornerback Patrick Surtain II in the AFC Championship this Sunday. Diggs has had modest production in two playoff games this year, catching six of 11 targets for 56 yards, but he did manage to find the end zone in last weekend's Divisional Round victory over a tough Houston Texans defense. During 17 regular-season games, Diggs ranked 26th among WRs with 102 targets and 29th in half-PPR points per game (9.9). The 32-year-old relied on efficiency (11.9 yards per catch and 68.7% catch rate) over volume in his first year in New England. Diggs scored just four times during the regular season, and he'll be facing a lockdown Denver defense that allowed a season-low four TD catches to receivers in 2025.

Friday, January 2, 11:40 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been completely phased out of the team's game plan with their WR corps at full strength, putting him on the back burner for fantasy. The 32-year-old was a bigger part of Tampa Bay's offense earlier in the campaign, as the receiving room dealt with a myriad of injuries. However, as veterans Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin Jr., and second-year pro Jalen McMillan have returned to full health, Shepard has faded from the offense. In fact, Shepard has been a healthy scratch over the past few weeks, signaling the team's preference in the starting lineup. The Oklahoma product has been a fine secondary option over the course of his career, but he can be avoided for fantasy purposes in a loaded Bucs' pass-catching unit.