Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Marvin Mims 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 11, 10:05 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has served mostly behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin this season as the third receiver. Mims had his best game of the season in Week 4 against the Bengals, catching all six targets for 69 yards and rushing for a 16-yard touchdown. But he was unable to follow it up in Week 5 against Philadelphia, catching just two of five targets for 10 yards. The full-time role hasn't been there for Mims as head coach Sean Payton has rotated a lot of players at wide receiver. That leaves Mims as a tough player to trust in lineups for Week 6, where Denver will travel to London to face the Jets.