Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Tee Higgins

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.

Saturday, October 25, 11:20 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is coming off his best performance of the 2025 campaign, amassing six catches (10 targets) for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Thursday night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Ja'Marr Chase played better, Higgins still got things done for fantasy managers. With the Bengals one victory away from a .500 record, the club will take on the winless Jets in Week 8. New York's injury report is loaded heading into the contest. However, regarding the defensive side of the ball, Sauce Gardner (concussion) has already been ruled out. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Jets. Brandon Stephens will try to do most of the heavy lifting in the secondary. Unfortunately, that may not be enough, so it appears Higgins has a strong chance of having another potent fantasy outing on Sunday, making him a starting option in all formats.