The Buffalo Bills’ receiver situation offers limited upside as fantasy football managers search for reliable options among the team’s deep but unspectacular corps.
With Khalil Shakir returning from injury, Keon Coleman still developing, and Joshua Palmer settling into his new role, none of these receivers projects as a must-start option for Week 1. The Ravens’ matchup adds another layer of complexity to an already murky target distribution.
Khalil Shakir Fantasy Outlook
Khalil Shakir dealt with a high ankle sprain during training camp that forced him to miss the entire preseason, but he avoided a final injury designation and practiced in full all week. The Bills’ most reliable receiver from 2024 appears ready for Sunday night’s opener, though the ankle injury may hamper his early-season effectiveness.
High ankle sprains are notoriously tricky injuries that can affect cutting ability and overall performance even after return. While Shakir appears ready to play, his effectiveness may be compromised early in the season as he works back to full health.
The veteran operates primarily as a slot receiver, running 70% of his routes from the slot last season. He only participated in 75% of Josh Allen’s dropbacks, though. Yet, despite the limited snap count, Shakir was targeted on 28.3% of his routes run, the 12th highest rate in the league, demonstrating his efficiency when on the field.
Bills WR by committee: 5 receivers who have one season above an 18% target share in each of the last four years 🤮
Khalil Shakir is good at the game, but probably only got to 21% target share because Keon Coleman hurt his wrist last season
Will be a nightmare to project weekly pic.twitter.com/EWjmu4NA7e
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) August 29, 2025
Shakir averaged 12.2 fantasy points per game last season while leading Buffalo in targets (100), receptions (76), and receiving yards (821). His production represents more floor than ceiling, as the Bills’ “spread-the-wealth” approach limits individual receiver upside throughout their passing attack.
The Ravens allowed 245.8 passing yards per game last season, ranking 17th in the league, while their secondary improved significantly with the addition of Nate Wiggins and continued development of Kyle Hamilton. Baltimore’s defense should provide a reasonable test for Buffalo’s passing game without overwhelming any individual receiver.
Keon Coleman Fantasy Outlook
Keon Coleman remains a raw player who wasn’t particularly impressive as a prospect coming out of Florida State. The second-year receiver managed just 556 receiving yards as a rookie across 13 games, averaging 8.6 fantasy points per game while showing flashes of big-play ability.
His 19.2 yards per reception average demonstrated his vertical threat capability, but Coleman caught only 29 passes on 57 targets for a concerning 50.8% catch rate. Despite his physical tools, the limited volume and efficiency issues suggest he’s not ready for significant fantasy consideration.
Keon Coleman’s rookie highlights
Can he break out as WR1? pic.twitter.com/yCXyFRwzfN
— The #BillsMafia (@BuffaloFAMbase) August 22, 2025
Coleman’s groin injury limited his practice participation leading up to Week 1, adding another concern to his already questionable outlook. While he avoided an injury designation, the physical issue could further limit his effectiveness to open his second NFL season.
Perhaps there’s potential for Coleman to develop into a true Z receiver as he gains experience, but until that development occurs, he needs to stay firmly planted on fantasy benches. His boom-or-bust profile makes him unsuitable for consistent weekly usage at this stage of his career.
The Bills’ patient approach with young receivers suggests Coleman may need additional time to earn significant targets in their crowded receiving room. His raw route-running and inconsistent hands make him a developmental project rather than an immediate contributor.
Joshua Palmer Fantasy Outlook
After joining Buffalo as a potential primary X receiver, former Los Angeles Charger Joshua Palmer presents an intriguing option. He’s shown promise before when thrust into starting roles with the Chargers, demonstrating the ability to produce when given consistent opportunities.
WR Joshua Palmer has made quite the impression during his time with the #Bills. Cerebral player, someone who seems to take pride in every rep he takes. Leader. Think this is a guy who can help carry this entire pass-catching group to greater heights #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/ozYRvixcNi
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) June 11, 2025
The veteran lacks an elite upside but could emerge as a solid WR3 or WR4 if he serves as Buffalo’s primary outside receiver. His familiarity with different offensive systems and proven ability to win contested catches make him a viable deep-league option.
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Palmer thrived in what could become a high-scoring game featuring two explosive offenses. The Ravens allowed the third most fantasy points per game to wide receivers last season, creating favorable conditions for all Buffalo pass-catchers to find success.
However, Palmer was drafted as nothing more than a late-round dart throw in most fantasy leagues. Anyone selected in double-digit rounds should not appear in fantasy lineups during Week 1, regardless of matchup or opportunity projections.
Should You Start Shakir, Coleman, or Palmer This Week?
The total volume may not be abundant for any Buffalo receiver, but Shakir represents the safest bet among this group despite his injury concerns. His established role and Allen’s trust make him the most reliable fantasy option, though his ceiling remains limited by the team’s offensive philosophy.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Fantasy managers should avoid starting Coleman or Palmer in Week 1 lineups regardless of league depth or roster construction. Coleman’s developmental status and injury concerns make him too risky, while Palmer’s late-round draft position reflects his speculative nature.
The ideal approach involves using Shakir only as a flex option in deeper leagues while keeping the other two receivers on benches until their roles are clarified. Buffalo’s passing attack should provide enough volume for one reliable fantasy contributor, and Shakir projects as that option despite the ankle concerns.
