2022 Fantasy Upside
As Pro Football Network put it, "Are you a fan of consistency? What about route-running savants who specialize in mid-phase separation? Perhaps a dash of age-adjusted value and a side helping of over a 25 percent target share from an elite quarterback? If you answered 'yes,' Keenan Allen is still your cup of tea." It's a fair assessment. Since 2017, Allen has averaged 102 catches for 1,184 yards and just over six touchdowns. He's also played in 78 of 81 regular-season games during that time span. He has at least 135 targets in five straight years, with four seasons of 100 or more receptions and at least 1,100 receiving yards. In those campaigns, Allen has recorded 26 percent of the team targets and 47 percent of the team's wide receiver targets. This past season, Allen broke the franchise's single-season receptions record -- which had already belonged to him -- with 106. He did that last season even with fellow starter Mike Williams setting a single-season career high with 1,146 receiving yards.
2022 Fantasy Downside
According to 4for4's John Paulsen, "The only real concern is his age (30), but Allen is good enough to continue to produce into his mid-30s."
2022 Bottom Line
Remember: Williams and Allen both went over 1,000 yards in a season for the second time together last year. The first was in 2019. Williams finished ninth in the NFL in receiving touchdowns (9) and 11th in yards per reception (15.1). With Justin Herbert’s emergence as an elite producer at quarterback, Allen will still be in line for his 130 targets, 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and six touchdowns even if Williams gains ground.
