NFL Player News - nfl

Keenan Allen Continues To Function As A WR1

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen will continue to be a big part of the Chargers offense in Week 13 versus the New England. Allen has been a target machine for the Chargers this season and even running back Austin Ekeler returning in Week 12, Allen was still able to draw 10 targets. Allen will face a Patriots Defense that is allowing just under 160 yards per game to opposing pass catchers and could draw a tough matchup against Stephon Gilmore, but that should scare managers away. Allen continues to be one of the most consistent wide receivers in 2020 and with the Chargers willingness to pass, Allen can be safely played as a WR1 in all formats.

Jets coach Adam Gase said he "feels good" about Frank Gore's workload moving forward.

“We’re going to just keep trying to rotate those guys as well as we can," Gase said lying through his teeth. "The flow of the game really doesn’t always go as smooth as you want. I think, with the amount of games we’ve got left, I feel good about Gore's workload. I mean, watching him practice, you can’t tell. He still looks pretty good in practice.” Rather than allowing either Ty Johnson or Josh Adams, currently in their second and third years in the league, to soak up rookie La'Mical Perine's (injured reserve) role Sunday, Gase leaned on 37-year-old Gore for his second-highest touch count (21) and snaps (32, 58%) of the year in New York's three-score blowout loss. As long as Gase is still calling plays and at the head of the table, Gore will clearly continue receiving empty touches while the offense fails to score points weekly.

Austin Ekeler Should Continue To Play A Big Role In Week 13

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will look to build off of a strong return in Week 12 with a matchup versus the New England Patriots in Week 13. Ekeler returned from a hamstring injury last Sunday and made his presence felt by rushing 14 times for 44 yards and catching 11 of his 16 targets for 85 yards. Ekeler immediately played a big part of the Chargers offense and that shouldn't change moving forward. Ekeler should be viewed as a RB1 against a Patriots Defense that has allowed a hair under 100 yards on the ground to opposing rushers and around four receptions and 32 yards through the air. Ekeler remains a very valuable option in all formats, but has his most value in PPR leagues.