Who Should I Start? Zachariah Branch or Cyrus Allen


Week 10 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Zachariah Branch News

Zachariah Branch Won't Play in Week 9

Monday, November 2, 11:08 AM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring) will not play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, according to Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Branch was not targeted at all in the team's Week 8 shutout loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday before injuring his hamstring, and he could be facing a multi-week absence. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia has had a minimal role in the Falcons' offense so far in his first year in the NFL, catching only 10 of his 12 targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns. Branch has speed to spare and is shifty in open space, but barring injuries to the rest of the team's WR corps, he will be fighting an uphill battle for playing time when he returns from his hamstring injury. Branch's next chance to return for Atlanta will be in Week 10 at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. He should only be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues for now.


Week 10 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.1 0.0 0.0 0.8 9.0 0.1

Cyrus Allen News

Cyrus Allen Could Earn More Targets In Week 9

Friday, November 6, 11:11 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen caught two of his three targets for 20 yards in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite the loss, the rookie receiver finished the game fourth on the team in yards. Allen also played his most snaps of the season in Week 8, indicating that the coaching staff is gaining more trust in the young wideout. Given the team's struggles to produce from the wide receiver position, Allen could be the man to step into the WR2 role behind Rashee Rice. It also helps that Allen and Rice win in different areas of the field so the duo could easily coexist. Allen will look to continue his upward trend this Sunday against the New York Jets. The Jets' defense has been middle-of-the-pack against wide receivers this year, making this matchup one that Allen could succeed against. Allen is ranked WR103 in our RotoBaller Week 9 PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this weekend. The rookie wideout is an interesting player who could be relevant down the stretch, but fantasy managers may benefit from taking a wait-and-see approach with Allen instead of viewing him as a plug-and-play option.


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 0.0 points this week while Cyrus Allen is projected to score 2.1 points.