Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Cooper Kupp

Friday, August 15, 10:59 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen and quarterback Justin Herbert have "picked up right where they left off in 2023," according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Allen spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, but he racked up 150 targets, 108 receptions, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 13 games during the 2023 season with the Chargers. The 33-year-old is at a different point in his career, and Los Angeles now runs a much less pass-happy offense under play-caller Greg Roman. Allen should not be expected to produce like he did two seasons ago, but he could still be a high-floor bye-week replacement in fantasy, particularly in PPR-scoring formats.

Friday, September 5, 2:13 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is checking in as a flex option in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Kupp is coming off a season with the Rams that began very auspiciously but finished horrendously. Kupp was a clear-cut WR1 over the first half of the season, but he was completely phased out of the offense towards the end. He only earned nine targets over his final three games, and he moved on from the Rams this offseason. Kupp did not show any signs of slowing down when he was given opportunities in 2024. This is certainly not the same player who took the league by storm in 2021, but Kupp should present solid value out of the slot in Seattle. He is going to be where quarterback Sam Darnold needs him to be at all times. San Francisco presents a tough matchup in Week 1, but they will need to focus their energy on stopping wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp's role in the slot is more immune to tough matchups than outside wide receivers, giving him flex value with solid WR2 upside in Week 1.