Palmer took his game to another level last year with Mike Williams out. In those contests, he garnered an 18.9% target share with a 31.4% air-yard share, producing 2.19 yards per route run and 71.1 receiving yards per game. It's not inconceivable that he is the Chargers WR1 this season with his rapport with Herbert. Last year, after Antonio Pierce took over as the Raiders head coach, they deployed single high coverage on 55.4% of their snaps. Against single-high last year, Palmer had a 21% TPRR, 2.22 YPRR, and 0.083 FD/RR. He should lead the way through the air against Las Vegas. Palmer will tangle with Jack Jones (60.6% catch rate and 68.1 passer rating) and Jakorian Bennett (65.6% catch rate and 102.3 passer rating) all day. Palmer is a strong flex play for Week 1.

After Week 7 last year, Shakir logged nine games in which he played at least 50% of the snaps. In those contests, he posted a strong 2.18 yards per route run with 0.085 first downs per route run, but he only managed to cultivate an 11% target share and 12% air-yard share. In that stretch among 84 qualifying receivers, he was 42nd in fantasy points per game. Last year, Arizona utilized two high at the second-highest rate (64.9%). In Weeks 8-18 last year, against two-high, Shakir saw similar production, with his target share only bumping to 11.8% and his YPRR sitting at 2.11. The matchup is in his favor against a pass defense that allowed the ninth-highest PPR points per target to slot wide receivers. Shakir will match up with Garrett Williams (72.4% catch rate and 85.7 passer rating) for most of the day. The floor isn't great for Shakir in Week 1, but he has some upside to consider as a flex play.

Samuel has been practicing on a limited basis. Currently, he is likely to suit up for Week 1. The last time he was in a Joe Brady offense, he finished as the WR27 in fantasy points per game. Last year, sadly, he was the WR48 in fantasy points per game with a 14.7% target share and 1.60 YPRR. I wouldn't be shocked if Samuel was utilized more on the perimeter this season, considering his performance out wide over the last two seasons. Last year, from the perimeter, among 109 qualifying receivers, he ranked 30th in yards per route run (2.12). The year prior, he posted a 1.84 yards per route run mark from the outside. Last year, Arizona utilized two high at the second-highest rate (64.9%). Against two high last year, Samuel had a 22% TPRR, 1.62 YPRR, and 0.062 FD/RR. These numbers are not amazing, but his overall profile last year was depressed by the struggling quarterback play of Sam Howell. Samuel is a solid flex for Week 1.