As I write this update, the San Diego Chargers find themselves in the middle of the preseason with a record of 1-1, which of course means very little. In game 2 versus St. Louis, many of the starters saw zero playing time, so the preseason isn’t offering us a whole lot of insight because many stars are simply not on the field. Nonetheless, here’s my assessment of the team as present.

QB: San Diego QB Philip Rivers looked very sharp preseason week 1 and did not play in week 2. I believe that this will be an improved year for Rivers. He seems to have fully recovered from off-season ACL surgery and looks to be in excellent physical shape with increased upper body size and strength. My gut feeling is that Rivers is a bit of a 2008 fantasy sleeper. He’s strong, has another year of experience under his belt, and plenty of terrific targets to throw to.

RB: We all know how good LaDainian Tomlinson is, so there’s no need to spend too very much time here. After all, he’ll be the #1 player chosen in most fantasy drafts. However, I am slightly concerned that L.T. may miss his former bulldozer, FB Lorenzo Neal, more than the Chargers have anticipated. Time will tell whether or not the departure of Neal has been underestimated. Also, Tomlinson is pushing 30 and at some point that might weigh on his performance. Still, L.T. is a fantasy stud until proven otherwise. As of this writing, it’s unknown whether RB Darren Sproles or someone else will be Tomlinson’s primary backup. I doubt that Sproles is worth a roster spot as a handcuff at this stage, but that could change so watch and learn.

WR: No changes here. The Chargers have considerable depth at the wide receiver. Barring injury, the only wideouts worthy of fantasy consideration are WR Chris Chambers as a weak #2 fantasy receiver, and WR Vincent Jackson as a strong #3 fantasy wideout. Jackson, however, has looked sharp in camp and rates as a possible sleeper.

TE: Fortunately, TE Antonio Gates’ big toe injury is finally improving and he should be good to go at the start of the regular season. While he is still experiencing some pain, reports are that Gates is running and cutting well.

PK: It’s hard to get excited about kickers, but I’d expect PK Nate Kaeding to have a better year than last. He’s a lower, top third fantasy kicker, in my view.

DEF: I’m expecting the San Diego defense to tear it up in 2008, and so, they will likely be the top fantasy D selected in many leagues. DB Antonio Cromartie wants to set the NFL record for INTs this year. Talk is cheap, but he appears to have the skills to give it a go. Look for improved patience and maturity from LB Shawne Merriman, who appears poised for yet another solid season.

That’s my report for this part of the preseason. Best wishes in your fantasy drafts and GO CHARGERS!!!