Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Van Jefferson

Monday, September 22, 11:16 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught 4-of-5 targets for 80 yards in Sunday's 29-27 win against the visiting New York Jets. Shepard sneakily climbed up to Tampa Bay's second-leading receiver with his second straight four-catch outing -- trailing only rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka in yards. He's also second on the team in receptions (11), though Egbuka, Mike Evans, and running back Bucky Irving are all tied ahead of him (14). Despite this, his 15 targets on the season thus far are quite a bit behind Evans (27) and the rookie (21). Moreover, Tampa Bay is attempting a pass at the ninth-fewest rate through three weeks, meaning the passing pie won't be big enough to support him when veteran Chris Godwin (ankle) returns. Shepard still may have some productive outings, but his floor could soon be alarmingly low.

Saturday, August 23, 10:31 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson recorded 102 yards and a touchdown on three catches in his team's 23-13 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. Jefferson scored a 65-yard touchdown on a long catch-and-run in the second quarter. The 29-year-old is entering his first season in Tennessee after logging 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Jefferson projects to open the season as the WR3 in Tennessee alongside veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. However, he may struggle to hold off the team's pair of fourth-round rookie wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Jefferson should be off the radar of fantasy managers in 2025.