Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Curtis Samuel

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, January 16, 4:40 PM

The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that they activated wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow) from Injured Reserve. Samuel is still considered questionable to play on Saturday against the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. The 29-year-old hasn't played since Week 11 due to an elbow injury, but he's trending toward returning to give the Bills extra WR depth this weekend with both Gabe Davis (knee) and Tyrell Shavers (knee) tearing their ACLs in last weekend's Wild-Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bills also elevated wideout Mecole Hardman from the practice squad to help make up for the losses of Davis and Shavers. Samuel caught only seven passes on nine targets for 81 yards and one touchdown in six regular-season games, and he's unlikely to have a big role on Saturday if he's active.