As the weeks go on, we obtain more clarity on what teams and players can be counted on for fantasy football. Still, there is no shortage of challenging start 'em, sit 'em decisions to be made in Week 4.
Jauan Jennings, Rashid Shaheed, and Khalil Shakir are all putting up solid numbers so far this season, but fantasy managers are questioning whether or not they can be trusted in starting lineups week in and week out.
Should you start Jennings, Shaheed, or Shakir in Week 4? Let's dive in and find out.
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Should I Start Jauan Jennings for Fantasy Football?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings was incredible in Week 3, coming down with 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns. The 49ers were without superstars Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel Sr., and George Kittle, but that doesn't make Jennings' performance any less impressive as the 27-year-old outshined All-Pro wideout Brandon Aiyuk.
On Sunday afternoon, Jennings will hope to stay involved against the New England Patriots, who have struggled to contain receivers through the first three weeks. Nonetheless, it could be difficult for Jennings to earn many opportunities with the 49ers getting some of their most prominent weapons back.
Sounds like the #Patriots will face a nearly fully loaded 49ers offense. No CMC, obviously. But Deebo and Kittle are a go. https://t.co/UqkUapbRLO
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) September 29, 2024
Jennings averaged 4.5 targets, 3.5 receptions, and just over 50 receiving yards with Samuel and Kittle healthy in Weeks 1 and 2. If either of the returning players are limited in any capacity this week, Jennings could still prove to be viable in deeper fantasy formats.
While the upside is still there, Jennings can't be trusted in most leagues this week. He comes in as the WR53 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start Rashid Shaheed for Fantasy Football?
The New Orleans Saints looked like the best offense in the NFL over the first two weeks of the campaign. Much of this had to do with the emergence of third-year pro Rashid Shaheed, who scored as a top-15 fantasy receiver in both contests.
Unfortunately, things came to a screeching halt in Week 3 as the Philadelphia Eagles held New Orleans to 12 points. Shaheed was completely blanked for fantasy purposes, but his utilization in the offense remained encouraging.
Rashid Shaheed didn't catch a pass in Week 3, but he saw a 21.7% target share. He's now hit a 20% target share each week this season, something he did just twice last year.
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) September 23, 2024
In Week 4, Shaheed will face off against a tough Atlanta Falcons defense. Although Chris Olave is expected to play, the former first-round selection injured his hamstring in practice earlier this week. Quarterback Derek Carr should continue to take deep shots to Shaheed, and could lean on him more heavily if Olave is playing at less than 100%.
Shaheed offers flex appeal on Sunday as the WR30 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start Khalil Shakir for Fantasy Football?
With Stefon Diggs out of town, many wondered who would become the favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. Tight end Dalton Kincaid was a logical choice, as was 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman, but it is Khalil Shakir currently leading the pack.
Shakir is averaging just five opportunities per game but entered Week 4 as the WR17. The 24-year-old has already matched his touchdown total from last season with two trips to the end zone through three weeks. His matchup against Baltimore on Sunday night may appear difficult on the surface, but there is reason to be optimistic about Shakir this week.
Khalil Shakir has a favorable slot matchup against Baltimore's defense 👀
Shakir has been one of the most productive slot WRs in the NFL (his 152 yards rank 3rd). The Ravens defense ranks 25th in yards allowed to slot receivers pic.twitter.com/1g8LWu2guX
— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) September 27, 2024
While both the Bills and Ravens have strong defensive units, this AFC clash is projected to be a high-scoring affair. Buffalo's offense has been firing on all cylinders, making Shakir an every-week fantasy option.
Fantasy managers should look to start Shakir as a WR3 with upside. He is the WR29 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.
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