Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Khalil Shakir

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 11, 2:10 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir could see an uptick in targets Monday night with tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) questionable after limited practice participation this week. Shakir tied his season-high with nine targets in Week 5 and now sits tied for the team lead with 29 on the year, turning them into 235 receiving yards through five games. With the Bills set to face the NFL's top-ranked pass defense in Atlanta, Shakir will need to create separation against cornerbacks Mike Hughes and Dee Alford to stay productive. If Kincaid is ruled out, Shakir should serve as a reliable safety valve for Josh Allen and could offer sneaky PPR value as a volume-based WR3 or flex play in Week 6.