Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Nico Collins

Friday, November 28, 5:35 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was a rare bright spot in the team's disastrous loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leading the team with four receptions for 53 yards on six targets. Despite his route rate recently increasing, Allen's target rate has stabilized at around five targets per game, and he has only seen one red-zone target over the last four contests, limiting his overall upside. He faces a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who play zone coverage at the second-highest rate in the league. Allen is significantly more effective against zone coverage than man, making him a reliable, high-floor target for the often under-pressure Justin Herbert. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR41 this week, reflecting concerns over his decreased usage and limited red-zone opportunities. Given his favorable zone matchup and reliability in moving the chains, Allen can be considered a sneaky FLEX option.

Friday, November 21, 7:06 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was only targeted three times on Thursday Night, catching all three passes but finishing with only 55 yards. He was not targeted at all in the second half. Despite his down game, Collins' team was still able to pull out a huge win over the Bills, 23-19, to remain right in the middle of the playoff hunt in the AFC. The Texans have won three straight under Davis Mills, but they'll hope to get C.J. Stroud (concussion) back for next week's huge divisional road game against the Colts. If Stroud returns, Collins will have a higher ceiling, but he has gotten so much volume in the rest of his games this season that he should be poised for a bounce-back performance next week, regardless of who is under center.