Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Elic Ayomanor

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.

Saturday, October 18, 9:21 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is expected to handle an increased workload against the New England Patriots in Week 7 after Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was ruled out for the contest. Ridley missed most of last week's game, too, and Ayomanor benefited, catching three passes for 27 yards on a season-high 93 percent snap share. The catch total was nothing special, but that large snap share indicates that Ayomanor is on the field for almost every play, and that his target share should start to increase as a result. The Patriots have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, leaving Ayomanor in the WR3/flex range.