Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Dee Eskridge

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.

Sunday, August 17, 7:35 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge stepped up on Saturday with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Miami's 24-17 win over the Lions. Eskridge scored the Dolphins' only touchdown of the first half on an 11-yard pass from Zach Wilson. The second-round pick from Western Michigan was playing close to home and got off to a rough start by fumbling his first punt return, but he bounced back and drew praise from coach Mike McDaniel for his ability to bounce back and put together a strong performance. Last year, Eskridge started the year on Miami's practice squad and only had three receptions for 44 yards in six games. His special team abilities seem to have him on an inside track to earn a spot on the roster out of camp this season, and he could be the team's fifth receiver behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Malik Washington, who all sat out Saturday's preseason contest, giving Eskridge and rookie Theo Wease Jr. chances to step up and post big games.