Khalil Shakir: Top WR Choice for Bills in Week 11

Khalil Shakir leads the Bills in receptions as they prepare for a critical matchup against the Chiefs in Week 11. Is he a must-start?

Khalil Shakir: Top WR Choice for Bills in Week 11

As we gear up for Week 11 of the NFL season, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir stands out as a prime candidate for fantasy football rosters. Following a series of strong performances, he has emerged as the top receiving option for the Bills ahead of their pivotal matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.

Current Performance Overview

Through the first ten games of the 2024 NFL season, Khalil Shakir has quickly become a fan favorite and a reliable asset for quarterback Josh Allen. With 48 receptions and 529 receiving yards, Shakir has set new career highs in targets and catches, and he is on track to exceed his personal bests in both receiving yards and touchdowns. His catch percentage of 88.9% ranks first among NFL wide receivers, showcasing an efficiency that is not only impressive but historic. If the season ended today, this percentage would mark the best in league history.

Factors Contributing to His Success

Notably, Shakir's success can be attributed to several key factors:

Efficiency in Yards After Catch (YAC): Shakir ranks second in the league for YAC, amassing 407 yards after the catch this season. This skill set is crucial as Kansas City’s defense struggles to contain YAC, allowing 53% of all receiving yards given up to be generated post-catch.
Target Distribution in the Slot: With Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid sidelined, as well as Amari Cooper’s status being uncertain, Shakir is expected to receive an increased target share, particularly from the slot position where he thrives. The Chiefs have shown vulnerability against slot receivers, making this a promising opportunity for Shakir.
Consistency of Target Share: Shakir has seen an upward trajectory in targets recently, with 33 targets over the past four games and finishing above his Week 11 WR32 ranking in three of those outings.

Week 11 Outlook Against the Chiefs

The upcoming matchup against the Chiefs is shaping up to be a challenging yet exciting game. Both teams rank among the best passing offenses in the AFC, with the Bills sitting fourth and the Chiefs closely behind in third. The stakes are high for Buffalo as they look to solidify their standing in the playoff race.

Interestingly, ESPN and other analysts expect Khalil Shakir to play a critical role. Given his recent performances and the reliance on him to step up in the absence of several teammates, he is projected to excel in the matchup. His ability to utilize route types that have high percentages for YAC positions him perfectly against a defense that has struggled to limit this aspect effectively.