Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Darnell Mooney

Friday, October 17, 6:19 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is coming off his lowest snap rate (56.3%) and second-lowest route rate (66.7%) of the season, posting just four catches for 27 yards on seven targets against the Miami Dolphins last week. He was out-targeted by both Ladd McConkey and rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden, even with teammate Quentin Johnston (hamstring) sidelined. While his declining usage is concerning, Allen has a favorable matchup against a middle-tier, banged-up Indianapolis Colts pass defense, particularly against DB Mekhi Blackmon, who is allowing an average of 11.3 yards per target. Historically, Allen performs better with Johnston on the field, so the latter's likely return could relieve some pressure on the veteran. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR25 this week, making him a high-end WR3/FLEX option with potential upside in a shootout, but managers should be cautious of his decreasing volume.

Friday, October 17, 8:18 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that he's "feeling good" about wide receiver Darnell Mooney's (hamstring) chances of playing on Sunday Night Football in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Mooney has not played since injuring his hamstring in Week 4, but it seems there's a good chance he could make it back this weekend despite not practicing on Friday. The 27-year-old wideout was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday and is officially listed as questionable to return. Mooney appears to be on the right side of questionable, but with Atlanta's game coming on Sunday night, we wouldn't recommend risking it with him in your starting lineup this weekend. The Falcons' offense looked much better in the Monday night win over the Buffalo Bills, but Mooney has a mere seven catches on 16 targets for 79 yards and no scores in his three games this year.