Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Tuesday, October 28, 4:32 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has seen an increase in playing time as a result of injuries to Chris Godwin (leg) and Mike Evans (collarbone). Shepherd had his quietest game of the season in the Bucs' blowout 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, catching just one of two targets for eight yards. The veteran wideout had caught multiple balls in every other game up until last week and saw a season high of seven targets in Week 7 against the Lions. Still, the upside isn't very high for the 32-year-old even in a good Tampa Bay offense, as he has provided little value after the catch. Rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson have emerged as the go-to targets at wide receiver for Baker Mayfield, with tight end Cade Otton filling a complementary role. Fantasy managers who are in desperate need of a flex who will run a lot of routes can look to Shepherd as a possible option.

Sunday, October 19, 12:11 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is a healthy scratch in Week 7 against the hosting Cleveland Browns on Sunday. It's the second straight week that Wilson has been a healthy scratch, and it's not a good sign for the 29-year-old's involvement in the Dolphins' offense the rest of the season with Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season. He also missed time earlier this year due to a knee injury, and he has not officially been active at all yet in his return to the Dolphins in 2025. Last year in 15 games (four starts) with the New Orleans Saints, Wilson caught 20 of his 27 targets for 211 yards and one touchdown. With Wilson being a healthy scratch again, Miami will move forward with Jaylen Waddle as its clear No. 1 receiver. Behind him will be Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but tight end Darren Waller should be quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's No. 2 target.