Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Dillon Gabriel

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, 6:48 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel has made two starts thus far in his rookie season, passing for 430 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. While the rookie has done a nice job taking care of the ball, he has yet to bring much upside to a Cleveland offense that has scored just 82 points across six games. He will look to turn things around in a Week 7 home game against the Miami Dolphins. Miami's defense has been one of the worst in the league this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks thus far. Gabriel definitely has the matchup in his favor, but he will have to show more on the field to be trustworthy for fantasy lineups. He sets up as a high-end QB3 heading into Week 7.