2025 Fantasy Football Outlook: Keenan Allen’s Return
Keenan Allen left the Chargers after 11 seasons to join Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Allen had his lowest yardage in Chicago since 2016, when he only played in one game before falling to injury.
Allen decided he needed to get back to his quarterback, Justin Herbert, during the 2025 offseason. Allen picked up right where he left off in week 1. In the Chargers’ season opener against the Chiefs on Friday night, he put up seven receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.
One must ask, will Keenan Allen be a fantasy-relevant option for the entire fantasy football season?
The Target Competition
Behind the leadership of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offense surprised fans by focusing on the passing game in key moments during the Chargers’ victory over the Chiefs. Allen led all Chargers wide receivers in targets, demanding 10 targets in the passing game from Herbert. Second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey was right behind Allen with nine targets. Former first-round pick Quentin Johnston was next in line, with seven targets and finding the endzone twice for the Chargers.
Behind the top 3 target getters, no other Charger pass catcher had more than two targets. If the Chargers continue to focus on the passing game, Allen should be steadily in the top 3 target earners in the passing game.
What Did Allen Do Last With Justin Herbert?
Now that we know the target competition works in Allen’s favor, it is time to look at Allen’s history with Herbert as his quarterback. In Allen’s last season with the Chargers, he hauled 11 touchdowns and 1,243 yards in the passing game. Those stats were good enough for a top 10 finish at the wide receiver position. His WR8 overall finish is awe-inspiring when taking a deeper dive into the stats. Allen only played in 13 of 17 total games in 2023. No other wide receiver missed four or more games that finished in the top 30 overall wide receivers.
From a points per game perspective, Allen would have been the 3rd overall wide receiver during the 2023 season. Although Allen is on the older end of a wide receiver’s career at 33, his game doesn’t seem to age. His elite route running, savvy against zone defense, and soft hands make him a reliable target for Herbert. If Herbert and the Chargers want to get to the Super Bowl, Keenan Allen is vital to the passing game.
What to Expect in the NFL 2025 Season?
There is no reason Allen can’t be a top 24 wide receiver for fantasy football going forward. Allen has a safe floor in PPR leagues. His connection with Herbert is evident; he will see close to double-digit targets weekly.
Although Allen has been a Charger most of his career, 2025 is his first season playing in the Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman system. I expect his comfort level to rise, and he will be the ultimate safety blanket for Justin Herbert in an offense that will be in the top half of points per game in the NFL 2025 season.
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Keenan Allen: FAQs
Q: Is Keenan Allen a top fantasy WR option in 2025?
Yes. With his reunion with Justin Herbert, Allen is expected to remain a top-24 wide receiver in PPR leagues, providing a safe floor with near double-digit weekly targets.
Q: How does Allen’s target competition affect his fantasy outlook?
While Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston share targets, Allen is clearly the WR1 in the Chargers’ offense and will lead the team in targets most weeks.
Q: How consistent is Allen with Justin Herbert?
Extremely consistent. In 2023, Allen would have ranked 3rd overall in points per game despite missing four games. Their chemistry remains strong, giving Allen a safe and high-floor projection.
