Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnston

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 28, 5:55 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston enters Week 13 after posting his second game with zero receptions in four weeks, failing to catch any of his three targets against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnston's production depends heavily on deep targets and red-zone opportunities, but the team's severely injured offensive line has caused quarterback Justin Herbert to average only 4.7 and 3.8 air yards per attempt in the last two games, heavily limiting the downfield opportunities Johnston needs. He will face a Las Vegas Raiders defense that mainly plays zone coverage, a scheme that doesn't favor Johnston's stronger performances against man coverage. With Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey commanding target shares, and rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden now handling short-yardage roles, Johnston is likely the odd man out. He remains a boom-or-bust WR4, with a high reliance on touchdowns going forward.