Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Darnell Mooney

Saturday, September 6, 9:29 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen dominated in his return to his former club on Friday evening during their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen saw a team-high 10 targets and was able to bring in seven of them for 68 yards and a touchdown. Despite entering his age-33 campaign, Allen was able to emerge as a top option in this offense, alongside second-year wideout Ladd McConkey. Allen found the back of the end zone in the third quarter on an 11-yard strike from Justin Herbert. Despite playing on a subpar Chicago offense last season, Allen remained productive, totaling 744 yards and scoring seven touchdowns on 70 receptions. Even though he is playing in a crowded offense with McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and a strong running back room, Allen appears to have WR3 upside going forward. He should be started in most 12+ team leagues heading into a Week 2 tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sunday, September 7, 11:39 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable after being a limited participant in three consecutive practices. The 27-year-old is looking to build on an impressive 2024 campaign in which he caught 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns, and he likely would have eclipsed 1,000 yards last season if not for missing the season finale due to injury. His quest to top last season's statistics will have to wait at least one week, as Mooney isn't quite healthy enough to play in the 2025 season opener. Drake London and Kyle Pitts project as Michael Penix Jr.'s top options in the passing attack, while Ray-Ray McCloud III should step up into the No. 2 wide receiver role with Mooney sidelined.