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

Monday, October 6, 5:42 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen made NFL history on Sunday by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 receptions. He achieved this in just 159 games, eight fewer than Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. The veteran led the team with five catches for 58 yards on nine targets during their 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. It could have been an even bigger day, as some big gains were wiped out by penalties, including a 31-yard catch nullified by an illegal formation call. Despite reaching this milestone, L.A.'s offense struggled to find its rhythm behind a battered line. With rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) placed on IR and facing the vulnerable Miami Dolphins defense next, Allen is expected to remain a primary target for Herbert as the Chargers try to end their two-game losing streak.

Sunday, October 5, 10:46 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. stayed heavily involved in the team's offense with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) missing a second straight game on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. Samuel led the team in targets (11), receptions (eight), and receiving yards (96) while catching his third touchdown of the season in the 27-10 victory in Week 5 in quarterback Jayden Daniels' return from a knee sprain. The 29-year-old has had a nice bounce-back season in 2025 so far in his first year in Washington while being the team's most consistent pass-catcher. Through the first five weeks, Samuel has 346 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. As long as he can stay healthy, Samuel should continue to be a must-start in fantasy lineups, even when McLaurin returns from his quad injury. Samuel will have quite a bit of upside in Week 6 on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, especially if McLaurin misses a third game.