Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Kendrick Bourne

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 9, 9:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards (14.89 YPC) and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games in 2025. The majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he stepped in as the team's main pass-catcher, with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) all ruled out for a brief time. Bourne's role faded as the team continued to get healthy; however, should Pearsall miss Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne could find himself playing more often and would likely be elevated to the team's No. 2 wide receiver alongside Jennings. Additionally, according to Novig, the Niners are underdogs (+4.5) and should be in a game flow that favors a pass-happy approach, which would result in more target opportunities for Bourne should he get more playing time. Demarcus Robinson would likely be operating more in three-wide receiver sets. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne would be a bit of a dart throw in fantasy playoff leagues, but would be worth a roster as a long-shot option.