Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Derius Davis

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.

Thursday, January 9, 9:40 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis could find himself with an expanded role in a Wild Card Round matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Davis went on a solid hot streak near the end of the season, scoring touchdowns in Weeks 16 and 17. With Joshua Palmer (foot) ruled out and Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness) questionable, Davis could be needed to work alongside Ladd McConkey and D.J. Chark. Davis hasn't seen more than 37% of the team's offensive snaps in any game this season, and he averaged somewhere around 16%, so even with the injuries ahead of him, he shouldn't be expected to take on an enormous role. Still, he could be a value pick in playoff fantasy contests who happens to find himself in the end zone.