Team Profile
Los Angeles Chargers
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7.5% 12thOff DVOA
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32.8% 8thPassing DVOA
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-10.5% 21stRushing DVOA
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-5% 9thDef DVOA
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-2.2% 6thDef Passing DVOA
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-9.2% 17thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For23.6 12th
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Points Against17.7 1st
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Yards Per Game324.0 20th
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Yards Allowed Per Game325.0 11th
After being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (calf, elbow) returned to a full practice on Thursday. Palmer did not practice all of last week before missing the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that the 25-year-old is back to practicing in full, he should be ready to return in Week 4 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs as long as he doesn't have a setback on Friday. Most fantasy managers won't want to trust Palmer in a WR4/flex spot if he comes back this weekend, though, especially with quarterback Justin Herbert's (ankle) availability up in the air. In the first two weeks of the season in 2024, Palmer caught just four of six targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns. Palmer's return will take targets away from rookie Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday for the second straight week after aggravating a right high-ankle sprain in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert has had discussions with the team about him sitting out this weekend with the team's bye coming in Week 5, but the 26-year-old is "doing everything he can" to suit up this Sunday to face the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs and doesn't "think that's the way we're heading." He will most likely be listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday, but it appears that Herbert is going to try and tough it out this Sunday. If something changes, Taylor Heinicke would likely start under center after replacing Herbert briefly last weekend. Herbert's mobility will surely be limited if he plays against KC, where he'll be a low-end QB2.
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will look to make it three weeks in a row with a touchdown when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Johnston scored twice in Week 2 and followed it up with another trip to the end zone in Week 3. The scores and a few long gains have shot the sophomore pass catcher up to an overall WR21 ranking through the first three weeks. Some of his underlying metrics aren't all that pretty, but results count and he's making things happen on the field. A matchup against a strong Kansas City secondary will be a good test for QJ, who leads the Chargers with a 31.6% first read share. There's a concerning floor, but an enticing ceiling as well, leaving him somewhere in the WR3 ranks as long as Justin Herbert (ankle) is able to start under center.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could end up with a good game in Week 4 despite a tough matchup against a strong Kansas City Chiefs defense. McConkey has been the top receiving option for the Chargers offense, logging a 25.8% target share and a 30.7% air yard share, both leading the team. He's also second on the squad in first read share at 28.9%. The Chiefs secondary has limited most opposing receivers, but they have been somewhat exploited by slot routes, with Kansas City allowing the fourth most receptions to slot receivers so far this season. With quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) likely to be limited if he even plays, all Chargers pass catchers should be downgraded somewhat, but McConkey is the safest bet to still produce a high floor, and he has some clear upside this week as well.