The big news from the Chargers is that they have signed star DE Joey Bosa to a record 5-year, $135,000,000 contract. The Chargers have a reputation as being (ahem) frugal, so this surprises me a bit, but I suppose they felt Bosa was just too good to let get away. If the team had remained in San Diego, I’m not too sure they would have signed him, but they’ll need to develop a fanbase to remain viable in Los Angeles and that’s not going to happen by losing games. Frankly, it might not even happen by winning games, but at least they’ve got a shot. This report will take a look at the current state of the Chargers from a fantasy perspective.

QB: The odds on favorite to start the season and play most games and downs is QB Tyrod Taylor, but there is a chance that rookie QB Justin Herbert. Regardless of who starts, at this point the situation doesn’t look good and you’ll want to avoid all Chargers options at quarterback.

RB: Now that RB Melvin Gordon has moved on to Denver, RB Austin Ekeler is the clear starter and should be owned in all leagues as a likely RB1. With Gordon gone, RB Justin Jackson likely moves into the #2 role, but is probably only worth considering in larger leagues. Still, Jackson could surprise a bit, but it’s really a watch and learn situation. We may also hear from rookie RB Joshua Kelley, although he’s unlikely to be anything more than a 3^rd string running back and is unlikely to produce much unless there is a major injury ahead of him.

WR: The Chargers have a couple of quality wide receivers in WR Keenan Allen and WR Mike Williams. While both are very good, the question mark at quarterback hurts the value of each. Allen should be considered a weak WR1 while Williams looks like a decent WR2.

TE: Despite being a bit injury-prone, I personally consider TE Hunter Henry to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He should definitely be on your radar screen.

PK: I expect the Bolts’ kicker to once again be PK Mike Badgley. Badgley is solid, but I do have concerns about the Chargers ability to move the ball as they have in the past, making him an above average fantasy option.

DEF: The Chargers obviously solidified their defense with the aforementioned signing of DE Joey Bosa, so that gives them likely the best pass-rushing duo in the league. The team is still a bit weak on the defensive line and so-so at linebacker, with the exception of surprise standout LB Drue Tranquill. The teams secondary is quite good, in my view. I would expect the Chargers defense to be very good, but offensive concerns may see the defense on the field more than they’d prefer.

More to come next month!

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