Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, December 6, 4:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen continues to see a decrease in usage, following a performance of four receptions for 30 yards on five targets against the Las Vegas Raiders, averaging just 7.5 yards per catch. His longest reception was only 10 yards, and his limited opportunities are further emphasized by having only one red-zone target in his last five games. Allen faces a tough Philadelphia Eagles secondary in a game expected to be run-heavy, regardless of whether Justin Herbert (hand) or backup Trey Lance is under center. If Lance starts, a drop in production from all receivers is anticipated. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR39 this week. While he remains a dependable option for chain-moving targets, the combination of his decreasing usage, limited red zone chances, and smaller aDOT makes Allen a risky low-end WR4 with little upside.

Thursday, December 11, 6:18 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was added to the Week 15 injury report and was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury. Bateman has had an underwhelming season and hasn't been very involved in Baltimore's offense lately. The 26-year-old wideout has just one game with more than two receptions this season, which came back in Week 3 versus the Detroit Lions, when he hauled in five of seven targets for 63 yards and one of his two touchdowns on the year. Bateman appeared on the injury report last week with an ankle issue as well, but he registered two full practices and played on Sunday against the Steelers. Bateman will profile as a low-upside, deep-league flex option if he's active in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who he went catchless against two weeks ago on Thanksgiving night.