Should I Pick Up Rashid Shaheed For Fantasy Football Week 17? Waiver Wire Outlook

Successful fantasy managers are battling it out in Week 17, as this serves as "Championship Week" for most leagues. As a result, every decision is crucial.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has made a splash with his play in recent weeks. The undrafted rookie's role has grown in New Orleans' severely injury-depleted receiving corps.

What has Shaheed done lately? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17?

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What Has Rashid Shaheed Done Lately?

With veteran wideouts Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry constantly injured this year, the UDFA has come out of nowhere to solidify himself as the Saints' second-best receiver behind fellow rookie Chris Olave down the stretch. Shaheed has demonstrated game-breaking speed and established his role as a legitimate downfield threat in this offense. The blazer is averaging a massive 19.7 yards per reception on the season.

Despite recording just four catches for 41 yards in New Orleans' Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns, the game can still be considered progress for the rookie Saints wide receiver, as he was targeted on five of the squad's 15 pass attempts on Christmas Eve, giving him a massive 36% team target share.

Should I Pick Up Rashid Shaheed Off the Waiver Wire In Week 17?

With New Orleans' receiving corps so injury-depleted, Shaheed should once again have a large role in the Saints passing attack in Week 17.

While the Weber State product has carved out a consistent role in this offense, fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on fellow Saints' receiver Chris Olave's injury status throughout the week. Shaheed would again serve as New Orleans' WR1 if Olave is unable to suit up.

He'll face a rugged Philadelphia Eagles defense this week, though he's shown the ability to get a step on anyone trying to cover him. Despite the difficult matchup, Shaheed's speed and downfield role make him a high-upside, boom-or-bust FLEX option in Week 17. He's one of the few players with game-breaking upside that's still widely available in most leagues.

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