Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to fantasy football, owners are always looking to land the next big thing. Whether a player is legitimate or not, owners tend to always pursue a someone after they have a breakout gaming, hoping that they are investing in something great.
So, can Keenan Allen become the next great thing in fantasy football?
During Sunday night’s late (and I mean very late) game against the Raiders, Allen had his coming-out party in the NFL. Easily his best game as a professional, Allen caught six of nine targets for 115 yards and a touchdown, He could have had another touchdown, but it was reviewed and eventually called back. Still, it was an impressive outing for Allen, who showcased why he could very well be not only the Chargers receiver of the future, but of the present as well. He’s caught at least five balls and has seen at least six targets in each of the last two weeks, and with more games like this, quarterback Philip Rivers will look for him even more.
If you are in a deeper league, you need to add this guy. The Chargers want to throw the football, as Rivers currently ranks inside the top-10 in pass attempts with 192. Allen has received a good amount red zone looks from Rivers lately. and at 6’2″, 211 lbs, he has the size frame to serve as a viable end zone option for this club. Yes, there are a handful of mouths to feed in San Diego’s passing game, but Allen has the most potential and upside. And if you want volume, look no further. Rivers has posted 40-plus passing attempts in all but two games this season, and under head coach Mike McCoy, an aerial attack will continue to be on the horizon. During last night’s game, Rivers threw the football 49 times, compared to just 19 run plays. And during his tenure with the Broncos, McCoy’s quarterbacks have posted career-high passing attempt numbers. Heck, even Peyton Manning posted his fourth-highest attempt total during his first year with the Broncos.
Now perhaps Allen doesn’t continue this production over the course of the season. But he has a lot going for him. San Diego wants (and may have to) throw the ball a lot, he could very well be Rivers red zone guy going forward if Eddie Royal continues to fall off, but he’s a bit more appealing in dynasty leagues. Still, last night’s game showed fantasy owners that this guy can play, and warrants your attention.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
