Keenan Allen Injury: 5 Fantasy Football Replacements For Chargers Star
Fantasy football owners probably yelled “not again!” when they saw San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen leave Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury.
The fear is that Allen — who missed most of last season with an injury — has torn the ACL in his right knee, but the Chargers have not officially announced the severity of the injury.
Here are five receivers for Allen owners to target via the waiver wire and/or trade market to replace him.
Travis Benjamin, San Diego Chargers
Benjamin signed a rich free-agent contract with the Chargers in the offseason, and he’s now going to be thrust into the No. 1 receiver role with Allen hurt. The veteran wideout caught seven passes for 32 yards on eight targets in his San Diego debut Sunday.
Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is a rookie quarterback, and instead of taking shots downfield, expect him to work the slot and middle of the field often. That’s where Beasley plays, and he’s probably available on your league’s waiver wire. Beasley is an even better fit in PPR leagues.
Will Fuller, Houston Texans
Fuller should be among the league’s best offensive rookies this season. The Notre Dame product tallied a game-high 107 yards on five receptions, including a touchdown, Sunday against the Chicago Bears. DeAndre Hopkins still is the No. 1 wideout in Houston’s offense, but Fuller clearly has quarterback Brock Osweiler’s trust and is capable of making big plays downfield.
Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints
Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the league in passing yards last season, and he probably will do it again after throwing for 423 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Oakland Raiders. One receiver who should benefit from Brees’ prolific passing is Snead, who tallied nine receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown on nine targets. He’ll probably be the No. 2 option in the Saints’ passing attack behind Brandin Cooks.
Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
Diggs had a great game in Minnesota’s win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday with seven catches for 103 yards. Even though Vikings quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Sam Bradford won’t scare opposing defenses, Diggs is good enough to be fantasy relevant as a flex option in most leagues. Any No. 1 receiver is worth owning, and Diggs clearly is the top target in the Vikings’ passing game.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
