Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Michael Wilson

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, January 4, 9:01 PM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson caught five of his eight targets for 99 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The highlight of his performance was a 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter that temporarily pulled Arizona within one possession. The Cardinals limped to a 3-14 record this season, but Wilson ended up being a league-winner in many fantasy leagues thanks to his incredibly strong second half of the campaign. The 25-year-old eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and he ranked as the overall WR2 from Week 11 through the end of the season. On paper, Marvin Harrison Jr. might enter the 2026 season as Arizona's No. 1 receiver. However, based on track record, Wilson has made quite the case to be the Cardinals' top pass-catcher not named Trey McBride. Quarterback uncertainty creates some questions about Wilson's fantasy stock for next year, but there's no denying that he has top-12 upside heading into next summer's drafts.