Keenan Allen Is Ready to Rebound in Fantasy in 2023

Entering his 11th season as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers franchise, Keenan Allen is looking to return to form in 2023.

Last year, Allen missed seven games -- the most in his career since the team relocated from sunny San Diego -- with an ailing hamstring. However, he managed to return by Week 10, catching four touchdowns over the remaining slate.

With better luck in the health department, Allen is primed for a productive season in fantasy football, and he can continue to thrive as LA signal-caller Justin Herbert's number-one target.

Keenan Allen 2023 Fantasy Football Projection

(All projections via numberFire.)

Fantasy Points: 144.38 (131.0 in 2022)
Ranking: WR24 (No. 64 overall)
Stats:

• 93 receptions on 139 targets (66.9% catch rate)
• 1,088 receiving yards
• 5.6 touchdown catches
• Total floor-ceiling: 119.23-169.53

Keenan Allen Fantasy Football Outlook

Last year, Allen's play through 10 contests (131 total FanDuel points) was good enough to be just the 40th-best fantasy receiver (80th player overall). In the five seasons prior to 2022, Allen had not ranked lower than 18th at his position.

Which direction will Allen trend in his 11th season out of UC Berkeley?

Changes to the Bolts' Receiving Corps

Playing for the Chargers, Allen has two prevalent factors outside of his control that are in his favor.

First, Herbert has the sort of arm talent that allows him to make any throw on the field -- the play is never over with a quarterback like that. Secondly, the Bolts have myriad other talented players on offense that can attract the attention of opposing defenses.

Allen, who stands just above 6-foot-2, thrives as a route technician. He surely likes his chances in any one-on-one matchup, and playing alongside receivers like Mike Williams and rookie Quentin Johnston should increase the frequency of those matchups.

Adding those wideouts to Austin Ekeler's pass-game abilities out of the backfield should give defensive coordinators fits in 2023.

Despite all the weapons at Herbert's disposal, Allen is a good bet to pace LA in targets -- of Herbert's 1,316 career completions, Allen has caught the lion's share with 268 receptions, including 18 total touchdowns. In 2022, Allen notched at least 9 targets in five of his last six games and was then peppered with 13 looks in LA's one postseason affair. In short, he's still showing target-hog tendencies.

Genuinely, Allen had been a fantasy football cash cow for the past half-decade with the exception of 2022. He ranked as high as the WR3 in 2017 -- a year in which Allen produced a career-best 1,393 receiving yards. Despite missing time here and there, Allen has averaged six touchdowns per year over the past six NFL campaigns.

Opportunity Cost: Where Is Allen Being Drafted?

Per FantasyPros' average draft position (ADP) data, Allen's ADP is 43.5, and he's ranked as the WR18. Ironically, his quarterback, Herbert, is ranked immediately ahead of him at No. 43.

Allen seems poised to thrive in fantasy in a WR2 role, and I prefer Allen -- a proven producer in what should be a top-notch offense -- to some of the wideouts in his ADP range -- guys like Amari Cooper, Terry McLaurin, DeAndre Hopkins and Deebo Samuel. Outside of Samuel, each of those receivers plays in an offense that goes into 2023 with some uncertainty.

Final Verdict

Allen still brings value to the Bolts' offense in 2023. As Herbert approaches his prime, he could be situated for a major statistical year. More than likely, a healthy Allen will be the largest benefactor.

With averages of 6.6 catches and 75.2 yards per game last year, Allen had a quality season ruined by injury. Both of those numbers were the third-best marks of his career, so he's still got plenty left in the tank.

Working from the slot, Allen will likely approach a triple-digit reception total for the sixth time in his career as long as he can stay healthy. As such, he's a better fantasy asset in half-PPR and full-PPR formats than he is in standard leagues.

With a solid all-around skillset, Allen can compile receptions, yardage and scores on a weekly basis. He should continue to operate as Herbert's most trusted target, which is a valuable role for fantasy.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.