Allen had a disappointing Week 2, but it was a tough match-up against the Broncos. His targets should increase now though with Donte Moncrief out, as Allen could easily be the third option in the Colts passing game behind Donte Moncrief. Plus, three of Andrew Luck's five touchdown passes this season have gone to his tight ends, and the Chargers just gave up 4-71 to Julius Thomas. Allen should be no worse than a low TE1 in Week 3.
Week 2 at Denver
Dwayne Allen proved why Rob Chudzinski is fantasy gold in Week 1, posting 4-53-1 last week. It likely would have been even better if not for Allen getting banged up for part of the game, and back-up tight end Jack Doyle scoring twice. Allen is not on the injury report this week though, and should see enough targets to be a TE1 against this week, as the Colts likely will want to stay away from throwing at Aqib Talib and Chris Harris too much. Colts tight ends saw nine targets against Denver last season.
Week 1 vs. Detroit
There is some concern Dwayne Allen will be called upon to help the right side of the Colts offensive line protect Andrew Luck, but there's no denying Luck's love of tight ends in the red zone. He connected with Allen and Fleener 16 times for touchdowns in 2014. Allen also has a matchup against a Lions defense that was bottom five in fantasy points allowed against tight ends a year ago. We see Allen as a top-10 TE option in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
The departure of Coby Fleener to New Orleans and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski entering his first full season with the Colts is a great combination for Allen’s 2016 fantasy prospects. As early as they could, team brass made it clear they wanted Allen to re-sign in Indianapolis at a time when it was unclear if the Colts preferred Allen or Fleener. TEs under Chudzinski (Greg Olsen 2012, Jordan Cameron 2013) have been fantasy gold too, averaging 74.5-880-6. That would project to TE3 in our 2016 PPR rankings and TE5 in standard.
Fantasy Downside
Allen 2016 value could still be tied to how well the right side of the Colts offensive line plays. It was awful in 2015, requiring Allen to stay in-line and block often. The Colts spent half their draft to address center, right guard, and right tackle, but if it doesn’t improve, it could definitely eat into Allen’s targets.
Allen’s health is a concern too, missing three games each of the past two years and playing at much less than 100 percent in a handful of others. That after he missed 15 games in 2013.
Bottom Line
Given Allen’s incredibly low 15th round ADP in 12-team leagues, he could be one of the steals of 2016 drafts, even with his injury concerns. His ADP takes any injury risk out of the equation. With Allen, you can draft him as your 2nd TE and easily see TE1 returns, as he is a top-12 TE in both our standard and PPR projections.
Week 8 at Carolina
After catching eight touchdowns in 13 games a season ago, Dwayne Allen has dropped off the face of the Earth. He's not a factor in the Colts passing attack this season and shouldn't be considered in your fantasy lineup.
Week 7 vs. New Orleans
Dwayne Allen missed a few games this season due to injury, but he hasn't done much since he's returned. He's not worth consideration.
Week 3 vs. Tennessee
Dwayne Allen came away with a goose egg last week, but that's mainly because he was injured. He's been missing practice again this week and it's not clear if he's going to play. Even if he does, the Colts haven't been using their tight ends much this season, so it's probably best to avoid him.
Week 2 vs. New York Jets
Dwayne Allen did what Dwayne Allen does in Week 1. He caught a touchdown while finishing with just 17 yards. Allen is a targeted player in the end zone for Indianapolis, but typically doesn't contribute much aside from that. Starting him is a touchdown-dependent gamble and he should be viewed as a risky, low-end TE1.
Week 1 vs. Buffalo
Dwayne Allen was a touchdown machine a year ago, catching eight in 13 games. But that's pretty much all he was good for. Allen finished the season with 29 receptions for 395 yards, which averages out to about two catches for 30 yards. Not exactly promising.
On top of everything else, Buffalo proves to be a tough matchup. The Bills were the No. 1 defense against tight ends in 2014, and will likely keep up their success. Allen is not a strong play this week.
Dwayne Allen - Week 20 vs. New England
Dwayne Allen continued his endzone dominance last week. He finished with four receptions for 30 yards and a score. Allen doesn't usually put up big numbers, but he's a good bet to catch a touchdown. He's one of the better options at the position this week due to his high probability to score.
