Zay Flowers and Khalil Shakir have the potential to make a significant impact on the fantasy landscape in 2024
Flowers’ explosive upside and ability to serve as a focal point in the Ravens’ passing game make him an enticing option, particularly for managers seeking high-ceiling players.
Shakir’s versatility and role in a high-powered Bills offense provide a solid floor, making him a safer pick for those looking for a more consistent contributor.
If you’re deciding between the two, consider your team’s needs. If you’re looking for a breakout star with the potential to swing matchups, Flowers is your guy.
However, if you prefer a steady performer who can provide consistent points week in and week out, Shakir may be the better choice.
Either way, both players are poised to take their games to the next level in 2024, making them must-watch talents for fantasy football enthusiasts.
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Zay Flowers and Khalil Shakir 2024 Season: Two Wide Receivers
In the world of NFL fantasy football, wide receivers can often be the deciding factor in winning a championship.1
With the 2024 season now underway, two young wide receivers—Zay Flowers of the Baltimore Ravens and Khalil Shakir of the Buffalo Bills—are generating plenty of buzz among fans and fantasy managers alike.
Both players are entering this year with high expectations and will have significant opportunities to make an impact.
Let’s delve into their profiles, roles in their respective offenses, and determine who holds better fantasy value as the season progresses.
Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ 2023 first-round pick out of Boston College, made an immediate impression in his rookie season. After accumulating over 800 receiving yards and several touchdowns, Flowers quickly emerged as one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s go-to targets.
His speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in open space make him a versatile weapon for the Ravens’ offense.
— 1️⃣0️⃣ (@king_khalil2) October 10, 2022
Baltimore’s Offensive Scheme and Flowers’ Role
The Ravens’ offensive strategy under head coach John Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken has shifted towards a more balanced attack that emphasizes the passing game more than in previous years.
This change directly benefits Flowers, who has already demonstrated a strong rapport with Jackson. The Ravens’ passing game in 2024 appears to be more dynamic and aggressive, which should give Flowers numerous opportunities to stretch the field.
Flowers also benefits from a revamped wide receiver corps that includes veteran Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman.
While Beckham provides experience and Bateman offers a solid possession option, Flowers’ role as a slot receiver and occasional deep threat could lead to a high target volume and increased fantasy value, particularly in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
Khalil Shakir: Who Is He?
A Rising Star in Buffalo
Khalil Shakir entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2022, and he spent his first two seasons gradually working his way up the depth chart.2
Now in his third season, Shakir has been thrust into a more prominent role following the departure of Isaiah McKenzie and Jamison Crowder.
The Bills, led by star quarterback Josh Allen, are known for their high-powered passing attack, making Shakir’s ascension within the offense a development worth monitoring closely.
Shakir’s Versatility in a High-Octane Offense
Shakir’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He has the ability to line up both inside and outside, and his precise route-running makes him a reliable option for Allen on intermediate and short passes.
With Stefon Diggs commanding most of the defensive attention and Gabe Davis serving as a deep threat, Shakir is well-positioned to see increased targets, especially in situations where the defense focuses on stopping the big play.
The Bills’ offense is expected to maintain its high passing volume in 2024, and Shakir’s target share should increase as a result. The Bills have emphasized improving their quick-passing game, and Shakir’s skill set fits perfectly into this scheme.
His ability to create separation quickly off the line of scrimmage could lead to numerous catch-and-run opportunities, enhancing his value in standard and PPR formats.
Comparing Their Skill Sets
Both Flowers and Shakir possess unique skill sets that make them valuable assets for their respective teams.
Flowers is known for his quickness, agility, and yards-after-catch (YAC) ability.
He’s a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations and can turn a short pass into a big gain with ease. His knack for making explosive plays makes him a high-ceiling fantasy option, particularly in games where the Ravens are expected to engage in shootouts.
Shakir, on the other hand, is a more polished route-runner with a keen understanding of coverages. His ability to find soft spots in zone defenses and create separation against man coverage makes him a dependable option for Allen.
While he may not have the same level of explosiveness as Flowers, Shakir’s consistency and solid hands make him a reliable target in crucial situations.
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Zay Flowers and Khalil Shakir: Who Has the Better Fantasy Value?
When evaluating the fantasy value of Zay Flowers and Khalil Shakir, several factors come into play, including target share, offensive scheme, quarterback play, and overall team dynamics.3
Here’s a breakdown of each player’s outlook for the 2024 season:
Target Share and Offensive Roles
Flowers is likely to see a higher target share than Shakir due to the Ravens’ increased emphasis on the passing game and his established role as a top-three receiving option on the team.
His usage in the slot and ability to work underneath routes, coupled with his potential for deep shots, give him a multifaceted role in the offense.
Shakir, however, may have to compete for targets with Diggs, Davis, and tight end Dawson Knox. His role could fluctuate depending on game script and opponent, making his weekly production more difficult to predict.
Quarterback Play and Offensive Prowess
Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are elite quarterbacks, but they have different playing styles. Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs can lead to more improvisational opportunities for receivers like Flowers, who thrive on broken plays.
Conversely, Allen’s arm strength and willingness to push the ball downfield could benefit Shakir on longer developing routes.
However, the Bills’ offense has been more prolific in the passing game over the past few seasons, which could give Shakir an edge in terms of overall yardage and touchdown potential.
Potential for Breakout Games
- Both players have the potential to put up big numbers in any given week, but Flowers may have a slightly higher ceiling due to his explosive playmaking ability.
- Shakir’s consistency might give him a safer floor, but Flowers’ knack for making defenders miss and creating big plays after the catch makes him a more attractive option in leagues that reward big performances.
- The Ravens and Bills both face challenging schedules in 2024, but there are key matchups that could influence each player’s fantasy value.
- Flowers will have to contend with the physical defenses of the AFC North, including the Steelers and Bengals, who both boast strong secondaries.
- How Flowers performs against these tougher matchups will be critical in determining his overall value.
- Shakir, meanwhile, will face the stout defenses of the AFC East, including the Jets and Dolphins, who have made significant improvements to their defensive units.
- If Shakir can find success against these formidable opponents, it would solidify his standing as a reliable WR3/flex option.
Is Khalil Shakir a Good Fantasy Pick in Week 4?
The Buffalo Bills have kicked off the 2024 season with a perfect 3-0 start. This success is notable given the absence of some key contributors due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, the team has maintained its offensive momentum, and one of the breakout stars has been wide receiver Khalil Shakir. With a stellar performance over the first three weeks, Shakir is emerging as a consistent target for quarterback Josh Allen.
But the question for fantasy football enthusiasts remains: Is Khalil Shakir a good fantasy pick for Week 4? Let’s break down the factors that contribute to Shakir’s potential fantasy value this week.
Khalil Shakir’s Emergence as a Top Target
- Over the first three games, Shakir has racked up 168 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches.
- These numbers not only make him the leading receiver on the Bills but also position him as a viable fantasy asset moving forward.
- Coming into the season, Shakir wasn’t on the radar of many fantasy managers, given the expectations that other receivers like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis would dominate the target share.
- However, Shakir has capitalized on his opportunities and has built strong chemistry with Josh Allen.
- The Bills’ offensive system under coordinator Ken Dorsey prioritizes quick decision-making and spreading the ball around. This creates an environment where multiple receivers can thrive.
- Shakir’s agility, route-running, and ability to create separation have allowed him to make an impact in key situations.
- In addition, with defenses focusing their attention on Stefon Diggs, Shakir has had the chance to exploit single coverage, making him a reliable option for Allen.
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Matchup Analysis: Bills vs. Ravens
In Week 4, the Bills face the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its aggressive defensive schemes and playmakers in the secondary.
The Ravens boast talents like Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, who can lock down receivers and create turnovers. Given this, Shakir will likely face a challenging matchup, with the Ravens attempting to limit his impact.
However, the Ravens’ aggressive approach can sometimes backfire, leaving openings in the secondary for precise route runners like Shakir.
His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and execute timing routes can be a valuable asset for the Bills to counter the Ravens’ defense. Additionally, if the Ravens allocate more resources to stopping Stefon Diggs, Shakir could see an increased target share and have more opportunities to make plays.
Role in the Bills’ Offense
Shakir’s role in the Bills’ offense has evolved since the start of the season. Initially projected as a third or fourth option in the passing game, Shakir’s production has earned him more playing time and a larger role in the game plan.
The Bills have been utilizing him in a variety of ways—slot routes, jet sweeps, and even deep shots down the field.
His versatility has made him a valuable piece in the offense, and it’s clear that the coaching staff trusts him in critical situations.
In the red zone, where defenses tend to tighten up, Shakir’s quickness and sharp route-running have made him a favorite target for Allen. This bodes well for his fantasy outlook, as red-zone targets often translate into scoring opportunities.
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