Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Deebo Samuel Sr.

Saturday, December 6, 4:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen continues to see a decrease in usage, following a performance of four receptions for 30 yards on five targets against the Las Vegas Raiders, averaging just 7.5 yards per catch. His longest reception was only 10 yards, and his limited opportunities are further emphasized by having only one red-zone target in his last five games. Allen faces a tough Philadelphia Eagles secondary in a game expected to be run-heavy, regardless of whether Justin Herbert (hand) or backup Trey Lance is under center. If Lance starts, a drop in production from all receivers is anticipated. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR39 this week. While he remains a dependable option for chain-moving targets, the combination of his decreasing usage, limited red zone chances, and smaller aDOT makes Allen a risky low-end WR4 with little upside.

Saturday, December 6, 9:32 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is coming off back-to-back games with at least five receptions and 60 or more receiving yards for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5. Samuel was managing a heel injury right around his season-best performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the next four games, the former San Francisco 49er totaled just 16 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets while adding three carries for three yards. The return of Terry McLaurin in Week 13 against the Broncos took away some targets from Samuel, but his presence also helps Samuel by allowing him to work underneath while McLaurin stretches the defense vertically. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will also be back on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, so Washington's offense will look pretty close to whole. The Vikings have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game and the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns this season, placing Samuel in WR3/flex territory for fantasy football in Week 14.