Who is Buffalo’s number one wide receiver?
That’s the question Bills fans, and the entire fantasy football community, have been trying to answer ever since the team traded Stefon Diggs ($6,600) to the Texans in the offseason. After two weeks, a surprisingly run-heavy offense hasn’t needed any of its wideouts to step up. That might change on Monday Night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If anyone on a thin depth chart can claim pole position, it’s Khalil Shakir ($5,500). The former fifth-round pick has improved in all three of his years as a professional. An established chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen ($8,000) has led to a team-leading eight catches for 96 yards.
While rookie Keon Coleman ($4,800) has led the Bills in WR snaps through two games, Shakir’s underlying numbers help to set him apart from the rest. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, he leads Buffalo wide receivers in average separation (4.3 yds) and passer rating when targeted (156.3).
Against a flawed Jaguars’ defense, Shakir is poised for a big game. Jacksonville is allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game while surrendering the fifth-fewest adjusted yards per attempt. That should allow the Bills to use their shifty slot specialist frequently on short passes, where he’s shown an ability to do damage.
Monday night’s total of 45.5 points could lead to a shootout. Buffalo ended last season as the NFL’s tenth-best passing offense, so it’s only a matter of time until head coach Sean McDermott unleashes Allen’s arm. A spotty secondary in primetime sounds like the perfect recipe for some explosive plays.
There’s enough uncertainty to limit Shakir’s ceiling, but he’s quickly emerging as a high-floor option for fantasy managers. Entering Week 3, he’s a solid flex play given his role and Jacksonville’s defensive weaknesses. In DFS, a reasonable $5,500 price tag makes Shakir valuable in any contest on DraftKings.
The Bills are 5-point favorites for Monday night’s home game in Buffalo. Shakir is +160 to score a touchdown.
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