How Keenan Allen’s Absence Impacts Mike Williams, Justin Herbert, Jared Cook, Josh Palmer In Fantasy Football

With Keenan Allen still in COVID protocols after testing position on Monday, the Chargers' star wide receive will miss this Sunday's matchup against the Giants.

In a key week for fantasy football managers with playoffs set to start in most leagues next week, how does Allen's absence impact his teammates? Our expert — coming off a No. 2 finish in FantasyPros' weekly accuracy contest — weighs in below. Find out how he's projecting Justin Herbert and Mike Williams without Allen, plus why he thinks it could pave the way for a potential breakout of an under-the-radar player.

Fantasy Fallout of Keenan Allen Missing Week 14

by Sean Koerner

We should lower our expectations for Justin Herbert with Allen out, but the second-year quarterback is still a must-start as he still has Austin Ekeler and other key weapons at his disposal.

On of those weapons is Mike Williams, who has an elevated floor/ceiling with Allen out. I'm projecting Williams as a low-end WR1 option this week.

Josh Palmer is a compelling "what the heck" wide receiver flier with Allen out. The fourth-round rookie offers a ton of upside, and with the massive increase in playing time expected this week, he has a chance to breakout. I would roll the dice on Palmer in deeper leagues if I'm a sizable underdog.

Jared Cook will benefit from the extra targets with Allen out, making Cook a fringe TE1/2 option.

Need More Fantasy Advice?

Consult our expert's real-time fantasy football rankings for standard, PPR and half-PPR scoring here. You can even view Koerner's rankings when combined with Chris Raybon's, who finished first in FantasyPros' Week 13 accuracy contest.