Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Justin Jefferson

Saturday, December 6, 4:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen continues to see a decrease in usage, following a performance of four receptions for 30 yards on five targets against the Las Vegas Raiders, averaging just 7.5 yards per catch. His longest reception was only 10 yards, and his limited opportunities are further emphasized by having only one red-zone target in his last five games. Allen faces a tough Philadelphia Eagles secondary in a game expected to be run-heavy, regardless of whether Justin Herbert (hand) or backup Trey Lance is under center. If Lance starts, a drop in production from all receivers is anticipated. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR39 this week. While he remains a dependable option for chain-moving targets, the combination of his decreasing usage, limited red zone chances, and smaller aDOT makes Allen a risky low-end WR4 with little upside.

Friday, December 5, 3:35 PM

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.