Every top wide receiver in the NFL should have a trusty steed to take some of the pressure off. For the Steelers, Antonio Brown has Juju Smith-Schuster, Julio Jones has Calvin Ridley, for the New York Giants, Odell Beckham Jr. has Sterling Shepard.
The primary slot-receiver has played a significant role alongside Beckham, racking up 638 yards this season with three total scores. His impact doesn’t match the ability of his counter-part, but he certainly provides a safety net for quarterback Eli Manning.
Odell Beckham Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Washington:
With the Giants’ star wide-out being ruled “out” of the contest, Shepard will take the reins as the top option. In the absence of OBJ in 2017, Sterling proved to be a solid alternative in the passing game for Manning, despite having far less speed and athleticism than Beckham. He’s a sure-handed receiver that can make plays when it counts.
Expect Big Blue to lean heavily on Shepard in week 14. This game represents the Giants’ last attempt to save their season and remain in the playoff hunt. Now, they will need a lucky string of events to stay in the race, but it start with a victory over the Redskins.
If you’re a fantasy player looking to replace Beckham in your first playoff game of the season, Shepard is surely a good option to lean on.