NFL player prop: Shakir a target whenever, wherever

Despite leading his team to three Super Bowls and winning two of them, Patrick Mahomes has famously never played a postseason game in enemy territory. That changes on Sunday night when the Chiefs visit the Bills to close out the divisional round. While he and Josh Allen have already waged some memorable battles, including Kansas City’s overtime win at Arrowhead almost exactly two years ago, this latest installment of the rivalry sees a pass-catcher on the home side get our backing for top prop:

The bet: Over 2½ receptions for Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (FanDuel)

As a senior at Boise State in 2021, Shakir caught 77 passes over 12 games — good for an average of 6.4. Buffalo drafted him in the sixth round, and he has gradually earned more playing time in the back half of his second season.

The Bills opened this campaign with newcomer Deonte Harty (known as Deonte Harris on the Saints) as the primary slot receiver. But that role now belongs to Shakir, who has played at least two-thirds of the offensive snaps in the last three games and recorded three or more receptions in the last four. In the wild-card victory over the Steelers, he secured all three of his targets, turning the final one into a 17-yard touchdown with some after-the-catch moves that would make Shakira proud.

During the regular season, the Chiefs allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game at 176.5. And though frigid conditions were likely a factor, they just held the high-flying Dolphins to 188. Their defensive focus will be on limiting Allen’s opportunities for chunk plays, a task made easier by the absence of field-stretching wideout Gabe Davis.

But have no fear — Shakir is near.