Who Should I Start? Zachariah Branch or Cyrus Allen


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.8 0.3 0.0 1.1 12.7 0.1

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Not Projected to Start Early in Rookie Season

Friday, September 11, 7:05 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch is not listed as a projected starter on the team's initial depth chart, dropping him off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues. As a third-round rookie, we shouldn't be completely shocked that Branch won't get the start in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, if there were any receiver room where he could make that leap, this would be the one. There are plenty of targets up for grabs behind No. 1 receiver Drake London. While Branch, a Georgia product, spent this summer competing for that No. 2 role, it ended up going to veteran Olamide Zaccheaus. Meanwhile, Jahan Doston projects as the third receiver on the depth chart, leaving Branch buried all the way down in the No. 4 role. This offense has so much uncertainty at the quarterback position that it's hard to envision Branch getting onto the redraft radar at any point during his rookie season. In the meantime, he's expected to operate as the Falcons' punt returner.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.8 0.0 0.0 0.7 8.0 0.1

Cyrus Allen News

Cyrus Allen a Top Waiver Wire Stash Heading Into Week 1

Tuesday, September 8, 6:12 PM

Kansas City Chiefs' fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati, Cyrus Allen, burst onto the scene throughout training camp and generated a lot of positive buzz and praise from Chiefs players and the coaching staff; however, he had a bit of a quiet preseason, catching six of his 12 targets for only 39 yards. Additionally, Allen was labeled as a reserve on the depth chart on Tuesday behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. While it may take an injury for Allen to immediately provide WR3 or flex appeal, the positivity he gained throughout training camp garners a bench spot for fantasy managers taking a late-round flier or looking to fill a bench spot off the waiver wire. Allen has a more diverse route tree than Thornton, who is known as a deep-ball specialist. Allen remains a top waiver-wire stash heading into week one based on his training camp buzz and the potential to be getting passes from Patrick Mahomes. RotoBaller ranks Allen as the WR82 off the board and the 213th player overall.


Zachariah Branch vs. Cyrus Allen

Still trying to decide between Branch and Allen? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Zachariah Branch is projected to score 2.8 points this week while Cyrus Allen is projected to score 1.8 points.