Week 10 at Green Bay Packers
Kyle Allen threw for 232 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception last week against the Titans. Allen has only had one good fantasy outing this year, but he’s led the Panthers to a 5-1 record as a starter and his long-term status in the position is good now that Cam Newton has been placed on injured reserve.
This week, Allen faces a Packers defense that ranks seventh in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks this season. In a good matchup, Allen is barely worth considering in deep leagues as a streaming option, but against a tough Green Bay pass defense, he’s more of a streaming QB2 option in most leagues. The Panthers may need to throw the ball to keep up, but that might lead to turnovers. Fantasy owners should be cautious with Allen this week and look elsewhere if possible.
Week 9 vs. Tennessee Titans
Kyle Allen had a terrible game against a dominant 49ers defense last week. He was sacked seven times, threw three interceptions, and was held to a 51.4% completion rate on his way to 158 yards and a lopsided defeat. It was Allen’s first three interceptions of the season, so I wouldn’t expect those kinds of turnovers every week, but he hasn’t been particularly prolific since his four-touchdown game against the Cardinals in Week 3. It’s hard to recommend starting him in most leagues, and he’ll face a pretty good Titans defense this week. He should be on the bench.
Week 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (London Game)
Kyle Allen had a rough game against the Jaguars last week. While he did throw for a touchdown and walk away with a win, he only had 181 yards, completed just 56.7% of his passes and fumbled the ball for the sixth time this season. Allen has one more fumble than he has touchdowns this year, and that’s going to need to change if he’s going to become a consistent fantasy option.
This week, Allen faces a Buccaneers defense that has allowed big numbers to opposing quarterbacks this year, and only the Dolphins rank lower in aFPA to passers. While the game being in England can throw a wrinkle in any offensive gameplan, Allen should be considered a sneaky QB2 option in a very good matchup.
Week 5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kyle Allen came back to earth against the Texans last week after four touchdowns against the Cardinals in Week 3. While he got a second consecutive win, he was held to 232 yards, no touchdowns and he lost three fumbles. Allen is a work-in-progress, but early returns are encouraging for a team with playoff aspirations. Fantasy owners should feel similarly about him.
This week might not be the best time to gamble on Allen however. The Jaguars sacked Marcus Mariota nine times just two weeks ago, although they failed to bring down Joe Flacco last week. With talented pass rushers and quality starters at each level of the defense, Allen may have a hard time moving the ball against the Jaguars, making him a risky, low-end QB2 at best this week.
Week 4 at Houston Texans
Kyle Allen had a great game filling in for Cam Newton last week against the woeful Cardinals, throwing for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Allen was productive in the season-finale against the Saints last year and he has excellent weapons surrounding him. He’s a nice surprise for a Panthers team reeling from their 0-2 start to the season.
This week, everything is all set for Allen to keep rolling against the Texans. He’s a solid QB2 or streaming option with the weapons he has against a Houston team that has allowed the fifth-most aFPA to opposing quarterbacks this season. Allen is risky as a young starter without much record of production, but fantasy owners needing a quarterback should consider taking a gamble on Allen in a nice matchup.
Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals
Kyle Allen could be in line to start this week if Cam Newton’s foot issue makes him inactive. Allen threw for 228 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a start against the Saints last season, so there’s some upside if he does start. Allen has excellent weapons to work with and a good matchup against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed five touchdowns through the air over the first two weeks of the season and are still without suspended cornerback Patrick Peterson. Allen should stay on waivers in leagues with one quarterback, but if you’re reeling from an injury and in a two-quarterback format, Allen might be worth a dart throw if he starts.
Week 17 at New Orleans Saints
Kyle Allen completed all four of his pass attempts last week in limited action. He'll get his first career start this week against the Saints with Taylor Heinicke on IR. As such an unknown quantity, it’s hard to recommend him in any lineups, especially in what will be a championship week for owners still playing for something. He should stay on waivers.
