Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Marvin Harrison Jr.

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, 11:15 AM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. cleared the NFL's concussion protocol just in time to practice Friday and be removed from the injury report. He was only able to play in 23% of the team's snaps in Week 6, which led to just the two targets, two catches, and 32 yards. Week 7 carries uncertainty yet again as Kyler Murray (foot) remains questionable, with Jacoby Brissett waiting for the call to go under center. Harrison and Murray still haven't fully clicked, so having Brissett under center may not necessarily be a bad thing. The Green Bay Packers have given up at least one receiving touchdown in all but one of their games, so Harrison could find some room to break free, but they're around the middle of the league in terms of defending the pass. Harrison is a solid flex play, but his ceiling is a bit limited right now.