Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Ben Skowronek

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.

Friday, October 10, 11:49 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (illness) was limited in practice earlier this week but carries no injury designation into a Week 6 showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Although the fifth-year pro has just one reception this season, he could be in line for additional opportunities on Sunday with Calvin Austin III (knee) sidelined. Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson may also step into expanded roles, but Skowronek logged the most snaps of the three in Week 4 before the team's bye. He's also the only one with any meaningful fantasy output this year, taking his lone catch into the end zone for a 22-yard score back in Week 1. With the Browns stifling the run through the first five weeks, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be forced to throw the ball early and often. Skowronek can't be considered a viable option in most redraft formats, but he does have some sneaky appeal as a deep-league dart throw.