Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could potentially take a starting role in a Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Much about the Bolts lineup depends on the results of Saturday's Bengals-Steelers game. If the Bengals win, the Chargers will likely play all of their starters as they could move up to the No. 5 seed in the playoffs with a win over the Raiders. If the Steelers win, however, Los Angeles would be locked into the No. 6 seed regardless of the results of their own game. Vidal is likely to start while J.K. Dobbins rests if the Steelers win, but Dobbins will almost certainly resume his (almost) every-down role if the Bolts are playing for a win. If Vidal starts, he could be a volume-based RB2 even though the Raiders defense has been solid against opposing running backs. Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on Saturday's results before finalizing their lineups.

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is a high-risk but high-upside option in a Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers enter the weekend with some uncertainty around Sunday's game. Depending on the results of Saturday's games, the Bolts could be shooting for the No. 5 seed with a win, or could be locked into the No. 6 seed regardless of their own game's result. If they have the five seed to play for, the Chargers are sure to go all-in with their starters, making Dobbins an easy RB2 with upside. If they end up in a meaningless game however, Dobbins could sit out entirely or play in a limited role to rest for the playoffs. Essentially, Dobbins is an RB2 if the Bengals win on Saturday, and too risky to start (unless coach Jim Harbaugh commits to his starters regardless) if they don't.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is potentially a strong fantasy option in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers will either be locked into the No. 6 seed or have a chance at the No. 5 seed in the final game of the regular season, depending on the results of Saturday's games. If the Bolts have a chance to better their playoff position, Herbert will certainly play and should be a top-10 option at the position against a Raiders defense with nothing to play for. Fantasy managers should have a backup option available, however, as Herbert and other Chargers starters could sit out if the team is locked into the sixth seed, which would give the start to backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he'd "do what's best for the team" when asked about whether starters would play.

The Los Angeles Chargers ruled out wide receiver Joshua Palmer (foot) for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Chargers still have a shot to move up to the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture if the Steelers lose to the Bengals on Saturday, but they will rest Palmer for this one and hope he's ready to go for the wild-card round next weekend. The 25-year-old has been the Chargers' No. 3 receiver in 2024 behind rookie Ladd McConkey and second-year pass-catcher Quentin Johnston. The role hasn't made him much more than a WR4/5 flex play in deeper fantasy formats on a weekly basis. Palmer will finish the regular season with 39 receptions on 65 targets for 584 yards and just one TD. Either DJ Chark or Derius Davis will step into the WR3 role for the Bolts against the Raiders.

The Los Angeles Chargers ruled out running back Gus Edwards (ankle) didn't practice at all this week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Edwards was also inactive for last week's blowout win over the New England Patriots in Week 17, which was also the first game back for J.K. Dobbins off Injured Reserve. The Chargers are already in the playoffs, although they could move up to the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture if the Steelers lose to the Bengals on Saturday and the Chargers beat the Raiders on Sunday. It's unclear if Edwards would have been available this weekend if it were a must-win scenario for LA. Regardless, the Chargers will now have him rest up with hopes that he can return for the wild-card round next weekend as the backup to Dobbins. Rookie Kimani Vidal should be the No. 2 behind Dobbins on Sunday.