Analyze Keenan Allen's matchup for week 10
Keenan Allen is a must-start WR2/3 this week; he’s seeing elite target volume (11-plus in 6 of 7 games), is trending up (19-190-1 the last three weeks), and faces a blitz-heavy Steelers defense he historically exploits.
The 33-year-old draws a Steelers defense that just generated six turnovers but also blitzes 43 % of the time, a look Allen has punished with a team-best 0.35 targets per route against extra pressure. Pittsburgh’s aggression should funnel quick, high-percentage looks to the veteran slot, keeping his 14-target, 26 % share floor intact on Sunday Night Football.
Allen has turned a corner since mid-season, posting 19 receptions on 26 targets for 190 yards and a score the past three games while commanding 11-plus targets in six of seven outings.
Volume is the lifeblood of PPR value and Allen has it in spades—14 targets last week and a 26 % target share that ranks among the league’s top-10. That usage is translating to production: a 70-744-7 line through nine games with seven touchdowns showing he remains the Chargers’ preferred red-zone option. The Steelers’ blitz-heavy scheme historically plays into the hands of a savvy route-runner like Allen; his 0.35 TPRR vs. the blitz leads the roster and should yield a steady diet of quick-hitters that keep chains and fantasy clocks moving. Primetime has also been kind to L.A.—3-0 under the lights this year—and Allen’s 72 % route participation keeps him on the field for nearly every critical snap. While age has sapped some yards-after-catch juice (10.6 YPC), the guaranteed 7–9 catches provide a 15-point PPR floor with upside for another short score if Pittsburgh sells out to stop the run on the goal line.