Who Should I Start? Tee Higgins or Khalil Shakir

Saturday, October 4, 1:55 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football through the early part of the 2025 season. He's managed just 10 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown on 20 targets, ranking 68th in target share (17.5%), 82nd in receiving yards, and 110th in receptions. Without Joe Burrow at quarterback, Higgins has struggled to command a consistent role in an offense that looks far less dynamic than it did in 2024. In Week 5, Higgins faces the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Detroit's defense has been steady, though they were exposed in Week 2 by Bears' WR Rome Odunze, who torched them for 100+ yards and two scores. Still, Higgins' involvement has been too shaky to trust. Given his lack of volume and inconsistent production, Higgins is a very risky play in Week 5.

Saturday, October 4, 6:12 AM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been the definition of a boom-or-bust fantasy option through the first four weeks of the season, posting point totals of 9.4, 1.7, 12.5, and 15.4. His limited usage in the offense--typically fewer than six targets per game--makes him heavily touchdown dependent, which creates weekly volatility for fantasy managers. While Shakir's big-play ability gives him upside, it's difficult to predict when those breakout games will come, making him far more valuable in best ball formats than in standard redraft leagues. Heading into Week 5, Shakir should be treated as a mid-level flex option, ranking behind more reliable volume-based receivers such as Wan'Dale Robinson and Ladd McConkey. Managers seeking a safe floor may want to look elsewhere, but those chasing upside can still take the gamble.