Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Justin Jefferson

Friday, November 7, 6:09 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had another quiet week, recording season lows with just five targets and two catches for 41 yards. The main concern is his snap share, which has dropped to 25% and 37.5% over the past two weeks as rookie pass-catchers like Tre' Harris and Oronde Gadsden take on bigger roles. Despite facing a favorable matchup against a surging but still vulnerable Pittsburgh Steelers pass defense, Allen's reduced usage limits the upside fantasy managers have come to expect. He does have a good individual matchup against Steelers cornerback Darius Slay, who is allowing 1.3 yards per route run, showing he can still move the chains when targeted. However, due to his declining volume, Allen is best viewed as a low-end WR3 or FLEX option this week, projected as WR35.

Friday, November 7, 6:11 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is yet again a WR1 option when his team plays host to the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed opposing teams to score on 48% of their drives, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. Baltimore ranks 23rd against PPR receivers this season and has allowed the seventh-most air yards on the season, though the Ravens have looked significantly improved during the past month, during which they've allowed their past three opponents an average of 13 points. Behind quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is playing for the first time after missing his entire rookie season and five games this year, the Vikings threw for only 143 yards last week in a win at Detroit. Even in a light week, Jefferson still drew nine targets and caught a touchdown, which should inspire some optimism as Minnesota sticks with McCarthy full-time. Though Minnesota figures to have some bumps in the road with a young quarterback, Jefferson is too good to be held in check for long stretches.