Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Calvin Ridley

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, February 6, 10:10 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (leg) had by far the worst season of his career in 2025, recording 17 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns on 36 targets. The 31-year-old was also limited to just seven games played. After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6 that sidelined him for over a month, Ridley broke his fibula upon his return in Week 11, landing him on Injured Reserve and ending his season. Ridley still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Titans, but Tennessee has a potential out this offseason that would leave them with a manageable dead cap hit. As a result, Ridley may be looking for a new home as he enters his age-32 season coming off a major leg injury. Before 2025, Ridley had posted consecutive seasons with at least 120 targets and 1,000 receiving yards, so he may bounce back in 2026. However, the veteran wideout's dynasty fantasy value should be plummeting after his disastrous 2025 campaign.