Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Mecole Hardman

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, 4:45 PM

The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that they elevated wide receiver Mecole Hardman from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the hosting Denver Broncos. The team also elevated running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad. Hardman will give Buffalo extra receiver depth after Gabe Davis (knee) and Tyrell Shavers (knee) both tore their ACLs in last Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs. Joshua Palmer (ankle) is also on Injured Reserve for the Bills, so their depth at the WR position behind Khalil Shakir will be tested in Denver. The 27-year-old Hardman is unlikely to have a big role on offense this weekend against a tough defense. In just two regular-season games in 2025, he had one target and no receptions.