The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver rotation continues to frustrate fantasy managers. Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer each showed different usage patterns that make predicting their Week 3 production challenging. Can fantasy football managers put any of these WRs in their lineups?
Khalil Shakir Fantasy Outlook
Shakir experienced a significant drop in his role during Week 2, catching just 1 of 2 targets for 12 yards in Buffalo’s dominant victory. This marked the first time Shakir had received fewer than six targets since Week 5 of last season, ending a remarkable 14-game streak that included playoff contests.
The veteran slot receiver managed only 2.2 fantasy points in what represented his worst performance since becoming a regular contributor. His target share plummeted to just 8% of Buffalo’s passing attempts, a dramatic decrease from his typical involvement in the offense throughout 2024.
However, context matters significantly for Shakir’s disappointing showing. The Bills leaned heavily on their rushing attack in an easy victory, with James Cook dominating touches while Josh Allen attempted just 25 passes. In negative game scripts or more competitive contests, Shakir’s involvement typically increases substantially.
Just a reminder right before the season starts that Khalil Shakir is still the most underrated receiver in football #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/jNqgbKX9i0
— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) September 7, 2025
Historically, Shakir has struggled against Jets defenses throughout his career, exceeding 25 receiving yards only once in seven career matchups in this AFC East rivalry. His career numbers against New York show just 20 catches for 260 yards and zero touchdowns across six previous meetings.
Despite the poor Week 2 showing, Shakir remains Buffalo’s most reliable receiver option. His rapport with Allen and established role in the slot provide optimism for Thursday’s matchup against Miami. This team has allowed 33 points per game through two weeks, revealing notable defensive vulnerabilities.
Keon Coleman Fantasy Outlook
Coleman caught 3 of 3 targets for 26 yards, posting 5.6 fantasy points in a significantly reduced role compared to his explosive Week 1 debut. After leading the team with 11 targets and 112 yards in the opener, Coleman’s involvement decreased substantially in the comfortable victory over New York.
The second-year receiver appeared to be used more situationally against the Jets, with his three targets representing just 12% of Allen’s passing attempts. This volatility reflects the boom-or-bust nature that has defined Coleman’s early career, where big performances are followed by minimal involvement.
Coleman’s 100% catch rate in Week 2 demonstrated his reliability when targeted, though the limited opportunities prevented any meaningful fantasy production. His average of 8.7 yards per reception showed he was used primarily on shorter routes rather than the deep targets that made him successful in Week 1.
The Bills’ commitment to the ground game in blowout victories clearly impacts Coleman’s usage more than other receivers. His role as a deeper threat makes him more game-script dependent, as Buffalo prefers conservative passing when controlling games comfortably.
His season totals through two games show 11 receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown on 14 targets, demonstrating both his potential and the inconsistency that makes weekly projections difficult.
Joshua Palmer Fantasy Outlook
Palmer caught 2 of 3 targets for 47 yards, while showing flashes of his potential in Buffalo’s system. His 47 receiving yards led all Bills wide receivers in Week 2, which speaks more about game flow than anything else.
The veteran’s 23.5 yards per reception average was impressive, with his longest gain of 32 yards demonstrating his capability to create explosive plays. His target share of 12% matched Coleman’s involvement, suggesting the Bills view both players as complementary options behind their established contributors.
Palmer’s performance represented his best showing since joining Buffalo, as he appears to be finding his role within the offensive system. His experience and route-running ability provide value in intermediate situations where precision is required over pure athleticism.
However, Palmer’s limited snap count and target volume make him heavily dependent on efficiency rather than volume for fantasy production. His role remains more situational than consistent, making him difficult to rely upon for weekly fantasy purposes.
Should You Start Shakir, Coleman, or Palmer This Week?
Thursday’s matchup against Miami presents an excellent opportunity for all Bills receivers to bounce back from their limited Week 2 usage. The Dolphins have allowed significant passing production through two weeks, surrendering 278 yards per game while struggling to cover opposing receivers consistently.
Miami’s offensive resurgence in Week 2 will hopefully continue, creating a more competitive game environment that forces Buffalo to maintain its passing attack rather than relying exclusively on the ground game. This type of game script typically benefits all Bills receivers, particularly Shakir, who thrives when Allen needs reliable underneath options.
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However, the inconsistent and unpredictable nature of Buffalo’s receiver usage makes all three players difficult weekly starts. Any one of them could end up with a strong fantasy performance, while others disappear entirely from the game plan depending on defensive coverage and game flow.
The Bills’ tendency to spread targets among multiple receivers creates a scenario where predicting individual production becomes nearly impossible week to week. Allen’s willingness to throw to whoever gets open means opportunity can shift dramatically based on defensive alignments and situational factors.
Shakir offers the highest floor due to his established slot role and Allen’s trust, but even he’s not immune to the volatility that defines this receiving corps. Coleman provides the most upside potential through big-play ability, while Palmer functions as a steady complementary option without significant ceiling.
Fantasy managers should only attempt to predict which Bills receiver will succeed if they lack superior alternatives on their roster. The week-to-week variance makes this group better suited for deeper leagues or as emergency flex options rather than reliable weekly contributors in standard formats.
