KhalilShakir

News: 17 hours agoShakir caught both his targets for 41 yards in Saturday's 29-14 preseason win over the Panthers.

Spin: The fifth-year wideout caught the first pass attempt of the preseason from Josh Allen, connecting on a 21-yard gain that helped set up a field goal in the first quarter. Shakir started alongside DJ Moore (lower body), and both were productive while Buffalo's first-stringers were in the game. The offseason addition of Moore gives the team a true No. 1 wide receiver, but his presence on the outside shouldn't have a big impact on Shakir's volume in the slot. Shakir has topped 70 catches in back-to-back campaigns, averaging 74 receptions on 97.5 targets for 770 yards and four TDs while missing three total regular-season contests in those two years.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Shakir has settled in as a reliable, short-range target for Josh Allen, though the role hasn't led to much fantasy success. The 2022 fifth-round pick has cleared a 20% target share and 70 catches in consecutive seasons, ranking top five among receivers in catch rate and RAC both years. A nonfactor near the goal line, however, Shakir totaled eight TDs and five end zone targets during the span. Shakir finished the two seasons just outside of the top 35 fantasy receivers and will now have to compete with DJ Moore for the team lead in targets. Shakir was already barely worth flex consideration, so the potential for a slight decrease in target volume suggests the 26-year-old is no more than a low-ceiling bench option.