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

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.

Tuesday, August 12, 2:15 PM

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels have developed a strong chemistry, which has been a "product of their reps before practices, conversations between seriess and budding friendship off the field." Samuel has been the "primary bright spot amid growing concern about the Commanders' receiving corps." The 29-year-old has taken advantage with Terry McLaurin holding out and Noah Brown dealing with injuries. Jhabvala writes that Samuel appears to be motivated by a fresh start and a soon-to-be-expiring contract after a disappointing final season in San Francisco. Samuel has dropped some weight and appears to be in much better shape in 2025 as well. If he stays healthy, Samuel could bounce back and be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as a WR3/flex in an up-tempo offense.