Khalil Shakir: Bills' Top WR Set to Shine vs Bucs

Khalil Shakir's Resurgence Signals Bright Future for Bills' Passing Attack

After a rocky Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills are seeking offensive redemption against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—and their rising star wide receiver Khalil Shakir is ready to lead the charge. Despite battling an ankle and ribs injury earlier in the week, Shakir has been upgraded to a full participant in practice and carries no injury designation for Sunday's matchup. This comes after a breakout performance where he out-snapped fellow receiver Keon Coleman for the first time in the 2025 season, cementing his role as Josh Allen's top target.

Shakir's Ascendancy: From Limited Role to Offensive Lighthouse

In the Bills' Week 10 defeat, Shakir commanded the receiving corps with 45 snaps (66% of offensive plays), surpassing Keon Coleman's 42 snaps (62%). This marked a pivotal shift in Buffalo's offensive hierarchy. Shakir wasn't just logging more snaps—he was dominating them, leading all pass-catchers with 11 targets, 6 receptions, and 70 yards. His chemistry with Allen shone through despite the team's struggles, offering a silver lining in an otherwise discouraging offensive performance.

"The recurring theme of our receivers not creating separation was evident, but Khalil was an exception," noted Hunter Skoczylas of Buffalo Rumblings. "Against a Dolphins secondary decimated by injuries, he became the reliable option Allen needed."

Injury Clouds Clear as Shakir Returns to Form

Shakir's ankle/ribs issue had limited him earlier in the week, raising concerns about his availability. However, a crucial Friday practice upgrade quelled those fears. "Khalil Shakir will be good to go for Sunday's game," confirmed the Bills via Twitter. This is particularly vital with tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined, creating a vacuum in the middle of the field that Shakir is poised to exploit.

"With Kincaid out, Shakir becomes even more critical," added FantasyPros analyst Leo Sells. "He projects as Buffalo's top receiving option against Tampa Bay's vulnerable secondary."

Bills' Offensive Woes and Shakir's Role in the Turnaround

The Dolphins loss exposed glaring issues: Allen's flat performance, an offensive line allowing 3 sacks, and a running game failing to eclipse 100 yards. Yet Shakir's consistency stood out. While Coleman and Jackson Hawes found the end zone, Shakir was Allen's most trusted weapon on critical downs. His ability to create separation against backups—even in defeat—signals a potential offensive reset against Tampa Bay.

"The Bills banked on a 'scheduled win' against Miami but were exposed," Skoczylas observed. "Now, they need Shakir to be the spark plug against a Buccaneers defense allowing the 5th-most passing yards per game."

Fantasy Outlook: Shakir Must-Start Amid Rising Target Share

For fantasy managers, Shakir's Week 11 matchup is a no-brainer. His snap count surge, Kincaid's absence, and Allen's need to reestablish rhythm make Shakir a high-floor, high-ceiling play. He's not just a flex option—he's a WR2 with WR1 upside, especially in PPR formats where his short-area precision shines.

Looking Ahead: Shakir at the Helm of Bills' Air Attack

As the Bills look to climb back into AFC contention, Shakir's emergence offers hope. His route-running, YAC ability, and rapport with Allen position him as the centerpiece of a passing attack searching for consistency. Against Tampa Bay, expect Shakir to see 8-10 targets, with a ceiling of 100+ yards and a touchdown if the Bills can protect Allen.

The message is clear: Khalil Shakir isn't just a piece of the Bills' offense—he's becoming its foundation.