Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Efton Chism III

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 26, 11:49 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's Week 8 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Chism was inactive for the first five games this season, but the rookie debuted in Week 6. He has logged offensive snaps in each of the last two contests. He has not yet been targeted in the passing game, but he does have seven kick returns. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent could remain a healthy scratch until another wide receiver suffers an injury.