Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Khalil Shakir

Friday, September 26, 3:44 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen once again proved to be quarterback Justin Herbert's most trusted option in the team's 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos, catching seven of 11 targets for 65 yards and a touchdown. The veteran commands a stellar 26.2% target share and a 40% red-zone target share over three games, making him a consistent scoring threat. Facing the 0-3 New York Giants' vulnerable secondary, Allen could be set up for an active day. Though the potential for the Chargers to lean on the run game if the score gets out of hand could slightly cap his volume. RotoBaller raises Allen to WR25 this week. He is a borderline WR2 and a strong start in all formats, especially PPR.

Friday, September 26, 2:17 PM

Buffalo Bills slot receiver Khalil Shakir found the end zone for the first time this season in a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Shakir also hauled in all four passes thrown his way for 45 yards, though it's alarming for fantasy managers that he combined for just six targets over the past two games. He averaged a little under seven per contest during a career year last season. While it's still early, Shakir is nowhere near his 2024 pace in catches, targets, or yards. He's now heading into a Week 4 matchup against a New Orleans defense that has given up the 11th-most fantasy points to receivers this year. The Saints had difficulty slowing down the Seattle Seahawks' top WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, in a blowout loss last week, as he tallied five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Shakir has never been a major TD threat, however, which makes it imperative for his targets to increase to 2024 levels if he's going to pay dividends for fantasy managers. Until that happens, it's tough to rely on Shakir, who's going into Sunday as RotoBaller's 40th-ranked WR.