It's Time For The Chargers To Shut Down Keenan Allen, Too

With the season all but over, should the Chargers also shut down their veteran wide receiver?

Sunday's 24-7 defeat against the divisional-rival Denver Broncos served as the unofficial final blow for your Los Angeles Chargers. In what was a must-win situation, LA fell utterly flat. 

In a disappointing turn of events, the Broncos dominated the game, dealing a severe blow to the Chargers' playoff aspirations. The loss, combined with a season-ending injury to quarterback Justin Herbert, leaves the Chargers with little to play for in their remaining four games.

Herbert's injury to his right index finger, sidelining him for the rest of the season, marks the first time he will miss a game since becoming the team's starter in 2020. With the playoffs now virtually out of reach, a pressing question arises: should the Chargers consider shutting down veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen for the remainder of the season?

While the prospect may not sit well with NFL and Charger fans, the rationale behind such a decision becomes clearer when assessing the team's current standing. The Chargers find themselves three games below .500, trailing five other teams for the final seventh spot in the AFC. Even if they were to win their remaining four games, they would finish the season with a 9-8 record, a scenario that might not be sufficient for playoff contention. The teams ahead of them maintain at least a one-game advantage, and the Broncos, a divisional rival, hold the tiebreaker.

According to odds from Fox Sports, the Chargers face a daunting +2000 chance of making the playoffs. The New York Times' chances for the Bolts are equally grim, assigning them a mere 1% probability of clinching a playoff berth. Given these statistics and the limited postseason prospects, the Chargers must seriously contemplate shutting down Keenan Allen.

Despite the tough decision it would be for football enthusiasts, Allen has had a stellar season, showcasing his Pro Bowl caliber with 108 receptions for 1243 yards and seven touchdowns. He currently leads the league in receptions, ranks fourth in yards, and is tied for fourth in touchdowns. 

Given the unfortunate turns of events and the diminishing playoff hopes, preserving Allen's health and well-being for future campaigns becomes a strategic consideration for the Chargers. In a challenging season, the team must weigh the long-term benefits of resting a key player against the limited potential for a playoff berth.

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