It’s been quite a few years since there was hype surrounding the Chicago Bears team. Part of the excitement for the Bears organization is Keenan Allen’s addition to the wide receiver room to help Caleb Williams flourish in his rookie season. However, Allen is dealing with a heel issue, making us question his fantasy outlook in Week 1.
Update: Keenan Allen is Active for Week 1
Will Keenan Allen Be Active in Week 1?
Allen is a reception machine for any team he plays on, including our fantasy football team. He should suit up on Sunday to continue his PPR dominance. Last season, he produced the sixth most receptions in the NFL, with 107 in Los Angeles. Allen is a slot guy who operates mainly near the line of scrimmage within an offense; his 11.5 yards per reception ranked him 52nd overall on TruMedia.
#Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) and standout pass-rusher Montez Sweat (toe), both of whom are listed as questionable, are both expected to play Sunday, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2024
The issue with his usual role in the offense is how often he will see the field. The Bears did draft Rome Odunze, who presents big-play ability within their offense. We know the majority of the plays will involve DJ Moore on the field, but in 12 personnel, will it be Allen or Odunze?
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
Allen ran the majority of his routes in the slot last year — 58.4% of his routes came from the slot, which was 21st overall in the NFL for wide receivers with 50 or more targets. Allen ran the 10th-most routes (283) from the slot position. However, he ran the 59th-most routes from out wide last year — his talent and ability to separate work at their optimal levels in his slot role.
Allen’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Allen should suit up but does draw a tough matchup with Roger McCreary. PFN’s Start/Sit Optimizer has Allen projected for 10.4 fantasy points. The protection lines Allen up with 4.13 receptions, 46.4 yards, and 0.3 touchdowns. The issue is Odunze is slated for 9.7 fantasy points with a stat line consisting of 3.2 receptions, 48.1 receiving yards, and 0.3 touchdowns.
These numbers show that you may have made a mistake even if you rank Allen above Odunze in your Week 1 rankings. Allen provides a safe floor. However, Odunze’s ability to create big plays and Allen’s lack of out-wide usage should hamper him within this matchup against the Titans.
With the offensive scheme against Allen’s favors, rumors of Allen being out of shape, and a tough matchup, we shouldn’t expect a breakout game for the new Bears wide receiver. The offense will run through Moore and then the rest of the talent around the Williams.
Proceed with caution for this aging veteran; even with the Bears having the eighth-highest implied totals, there are better options to elevate your fantasy lineup this week.