2022 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Preview

Notable Players- Justin Herbert

Herbert really has hit the ground running from the moment he stepped out onto the field. In just his second season he threw for over 5,000 yards along with 38TDs and 15INTs. That, with another 302 yards on the floor.

With the weapons he has on offense, and the trust that the coaching staff have in him, there’s no reason to think he can’t put up another season of around the same production. As a result, he is a solid QB1 for fantasy. Especially with the additions made to the offensive line.

Notable Players- Austin Ekeler, Isaiah Spiller & Joshua Kelley

Ekeler seems to have really taken that step forward from being used as a third-down and relief back to being a true bellcow. As a result, Ekeler is one of the top fantasy talents in the NFL. Running the ball, catching passes and being used on the goal-line there is nothing that he cannot do. Unless he suffers injury, he is going to be an RB1.

There is also value for the backup RB here, such is the power of the offense. When Ekeler was forced to miss time, the team tried a rotation of backs. Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree and Justin Jackson were all given an opportunity. The only one that really seemed like he could handle the workload on the ground was Jackson, and they let him leave the building! 

But, they do look like they may have filled that gap with Spiller in the draft. Certainly he is the one that looks likely to be given the first opportunity to play if Ekeler misses time.

Notable Players- Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton & Josh Palmer

The top receivers on the team are clearly great. Then it’s a case of the third receiver, but really they aren’t fantasy viable most weeks.

Keenan Allen is the possession receiver in the offense, and has a great chemistry with Herbert. In a PPR league especially, he is gold. He has a streak of (I’m going to cheat slightly) five seasons with over 100 receptions. (I’m cheating because in 2018 he only player 14 games and had 97 receptions). Ideally, you’d want his TD number to be higher, but he is a great draft add.

Mike Williams works as the threat on the outside. His first real season in the league, he scored TDs for fun, then the next year posted 1,000 yards. Then he took time getting used to his rookie QB, and last season it all came together. With the way that the offense runs, Williams has room to grow. The only question mark he has for me, is that he is still very boom-or-bust.

For the other guys? It doesn’t really matter for fantasy. They are going to have the odd big game, but unless it’s a game where Allen/ Williams are forced to sit out, you can’t roster them.

Notable Players- Gerald Everett

Everett changes team for the third time in three years in moving to the Chargers. I feel like I’m getting sucked down into the same rabbit hole as I was year.

Everett is a versatile TE, capable of making big plays. In Seattle, he struggled to do that on a consistent basis, which was really disappointing. But, the reasons for being excited then are the same as now. The offense doesn’t really have a TE option, so he should get on the field, and he has a good QB throwing him the ball.