Los Angeles Chargers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is set for another strong performance in a Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dobbins is the overall fantasy RB4 through the first two weeks of the season, and several statistics show that it's not just a fluke. He ranks first in the NFL in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt. He's 12th in the league in yards after contact, and the Chargers offensive line has been excellent in opening up running lanes, with the Chargers offense tops in the league in yards before contact in the running game. The Steelers defense is solid over all, but has been just about average against running backs through the first two weeks of the season. Dobbins is a high-end RB2 with clear upside.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is expected to play this week despite suffering an ankle injury near the end of a Week 2 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Herbert missed practice on Wednesday, but was back in there on Thursday and all signs point to him being able to take the field on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even assuming he plays without setbacks, he's no more than a QB2 option, leading a run-first offense against a tough Steelers defense. Herbert has all the talent of the top tier quarterbacks in the NFL, but the type of offense the Chargers run leave him well out of those rankings for fantasy football. He's just the QB27 so far through two weeks of games.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is wearing a yellow jersey and is dressed for practice on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday in the first practice of the week. Herbert's return to practice on Thursday is a good sign that he's trending in the right direction to play in Week 3 against the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers but quickly returned to the contest. Barring a setback, it's likely that Herbert will be under center for the Bolts as a low-end QB2 play in fantasy this Sunday against a swarming Steelers defensive unit. If for some reason Herbert is unable to play, it would most likely be Easton Stick making the start, which would be a major downgrade for all of LA's offensive weapons in a tough matchup.UPDATE: Herbert was officially listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but X-rays on his ankle came back negative. It's unclear whether or not Herbert is at real risk of missing Sunday's game in a battle between two undefeated teams, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. That said, Herbert is the QB26 on the year so far, and the Steelers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. He should be benched in single-QB formats whether he plays or not. If he's out, Easton Stick will get the start, and wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will have reduced fantasy ceilings and floors.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a first-rounder in 2023, had a rocky first year in the NFL marred by drops. But through the first two weeks of his second season in the NFL, Johnston has flipped the script and led the Chargers with five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He had two TDs all of last year, but he currently leads the Bolts in catches, receiving yards and yards per target. The 23-year-old's route-running this year is tighter and more deceptive, and his hands have improved markedly. Johnston ran post or go routes 35.5% of the time last year, but that rate has dropped to 21.4% this year, which has increased his chances to run after the catch on crossing routes. He has become a popular waiver-wire pickup after the first two weeks, especially with DJ Chark (hip) on Injured Reserve.