Who Should I Start? Kazmeir Allen or Javon Baker

Thursday, August 22, 10:44 PM

The Washington Commanders started working wide receiver Kazmeir Allen in at running back at training camp last week, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned to reporters that Allen's "explosive" traits remind him of a Deebo Samuel-type player. The Commanders are looking for a way to keep Allen as they head into the 2024 regular season. The 24-year-old went undrafted last year out of UCLA and spent most of 2023 on Washington's practice squad. He's still well off the fantasy radar in all formats, but Allen is a name to file away, especially after the Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Washington is looking for young players to step up on offense, but it remains to be seen if Allen will be one of those guys. During the preseason, he has four carries for 15 yards and a fumble while also catching one pass for a 12-yard gain.

Thursday, September 12, 2:43 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.