Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Khalil Shakir

Friday, October 31, 11:50 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has seen six or more targets in three straight games since his no-catch performance in Week 5 against the Chargers. The veteran tight end continues to be a reliable threat in the red zone, leading the team with four receiving touchdowns. The 34-year-old will be happy to have second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels back as the starter, who he has been more productive with compared to backup Marcus Mariota. Ertz has uncharacteristically had multiple costly drops this season. The veteran has already totaled five drops in only eight games this season, more than he had all of last year and one off of his career high of six back in 2021. Ertz will likely see a solid target share with top wideout Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out, and it's a decent matchup against a Seattle defense that has allowed 47 receptions to opposing tight ends, tied for seventh most. Ertz is ranked as RotoBaller's TE13 in PPR formats for Sunday Night Football.

Saturday, November 1, 4:53 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has emerged as the go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen as the team heads into the second half of the season. The 25-year-old receiver has seen five or more targets in each of the last four games and has established himself in the passing game as the team has been without tight end Dalton Kincaid. With Kincaid returning, Shakir should have more room to operate against a Chiefs defense that will be struggling to determine what option they will take away. Kansas City's third-ranked pass defense, allowing 177.8 yards per game, will be the matchup to watch, leading to a lower floor than expected for this offense. Shakir projects as a flex option heading into Week 9.