DeVonta Smith vs Khalil Shakir: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between DeVonta Smith and Khalil Shakir for your lineup, you are not alone. DeVonta Smith finished the 2025 season at 9.6 PPG for the Philadelphia Eagles (17 games), and Khalil Shakir averaged 8.1 for the Buffalo Bills (16 games).
That 1.5-point weekly advantage for DeVonta Smith is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. DeVonta Smith turned 113 targets into 1008 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Khalil Shakir converted 95 looks into 719 yards and 4 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: DeVonta Smith sits Week 5 while Khalil Shakir is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
