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Keenan Allen was injured in Week 1 and didn't return to full health and a full-time role until Week 11. From then on, he went scorched earth on the NFL, reminding everyone he's still an alpha-dominating target hog. Over that eight-game span, Allen averaged 10.4 targets (sixth most if over the full season), 7.5 receptions (second most if over the full season), 84.4 receiving yards (eighth most if over the full season), and 0.5 touchdowns. And even when including the two games Allen played minimally due to injury (and week 18), he still finished the season ranked as the WR12 in PPR fantasy points per game. Paired with one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league and a projected upgrade at offensive coordinator with Kellen Moore taking over for Joe Lombardi, another elite season is on tap for the 31-year-old Allen. Let's dive in.
Age Is Nothing But A Number
As alluded to in the introduction, Allen was really good last year, his age-30 season. The below statistics include the two games Allen played minimally due to injury.
| Statistic | WR Rank | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Targets per game | 11th | 8.9 |
| Receptions per game | 8th | 6.6 |
| Receiving yards per game | 12th | 75.2 |
| Yards after catch per game | 13th | 28.3 |
| Yards per route run | 13th | 2.08 |
While it's certainly possible Allen's age could start catching up to him in 2023, his age 30 season showed zero signs of decline when he was on the field.
Target Domination
Allen's 2022 production was no outlier. He's dominated targets his entire career. Let's take a look at his volume and production in all seven seasons he's played in at least 14 games:
| Year | Games | Targets | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 105 | 71 | 1,046 | 8 |
| 2014 | 14 | 121 | 77 | 783 | 4 |
| 2017 | 16 | 159 | 102 | 1,393 | 6 |
| 2018 | 16 | 136 | 97 | 1,196 | 6 |
| 2019 | 16 | 149 | 104 | 1,199 | 6 |
| 2020 | 14 | 147 | 100 | 992 | 8 |
| 2021 | 16 | 157 | 106 | 1,138 | 6 |
When on the field, Allen has always been a vital part of his Chargers' offenses in the NFL.
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