Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Rashid Shaheed

Saturday, October 4, 1:04 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Lockett has seen an appealing snap and target share over the last few weeks, and he could be headed for an expanded role in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Lockett is currently preparing for the matchup as the Titans' No. 3 receiver, as he has been doing ever since the season opener, but he could jump to second on the depth chart if Calvin Ridley (knee, elbow), who is questionable, doesn't suit up. Ridley has been underwhelming this year but would still vacate around 50 snaps, many of which would likely go to Lockett. There's a direct relationship between the two players' snap shares; every time Ridley has played at least 85 percent of the snaps, Lockett plays below 60 percent. Last week, when Ridley played just 54 percent, Lockett saw his snap share jump to 72 percent. Having someone like Lockett on the field is a good idea for the Titans, who have youth elsewhere in Cameron Ward, Elic Ayomanor, and Chig Okonkwo. A reliable veteran presence with sure hands in the short and medium passing games, Lockett has 12 targets but just six catches through his first four games in Tennessee. A Ridley absence could push Lockett closer to six or seven targets with at least a few receptions, therefore giving him some WR3/flex appeal in the deepest leagues. On the other hand, if Ridley plays, Lockett would probably see around just 50 percent of the snaps, which isn't enough to get him on the fantasy radar.

Sunday, October 5, 9:43 PM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed recorded four catches for 114 yards and a touchdown in his team's 26-14 Week 5 win over the New York Giants. Known as one of the league's premier big-play threats. Shaheed broke loose for an 87-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. The 27-year-old has recorded 22 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets through five games so far this season. Shaheed ranks third on the Saints in targets behind wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson, but he's got far more explosive potential than any of his New Orleans teammates. Shaheed remains a boom/bust flex option in the majority of fantasy leagues.