In week 1 of the preseason, the Phoenix Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Chargers by the score of 24-17. While it’s obviously very early, the starters didn’t play much and I don’t think we learned much. Here’s a look at the team as it currently stands.

QB: Chargers QB Philip Rivers didn’t play. His back-ups were barely okay. I’m not going to spend any time on them, as they have zero fantasy value. Rivers should be a top 10 fantasy quarterback again in 2018.

RB: RB Melvin Gordon carried 5 times for 16 yards, but did not have any receptions or TDs. RB Austin Ekeler carried 5 times for 22 yards and had 2 receptions for 42 yards but no TDs. Gordon is expected to the workhorse and should produce, if he remains healthy. Ekeler is pretty solid but has limited fantasy value if Gordon is active.

WR: Chargers WR Geremy Davis led the receiving corps with 4 catches for 88 yards and a difficult long reception for a TD. WR Mike Williams caught 2 for 18 yards but did not score. Again, limited or no action from the players that count. WR Keenan Allen should lead the L.A. receivers, but his slight build and aggressiveness makes him a continual injury risk. WR Mike Williams has the potential for a breakout season, especially if injuries occur elsewhere, but you should only take him in late rounds, if at all. WR Travis Benjamin is ice cold or red hot. Too inconsistent for my tastes. He could give you 12 points or zero. WR Tyrell Williams is a quality receiver capable of big plays, but he’ll be sharing looks with a lot of other Bolts, limiting his value.

TE: With TE Hunter Henry out for most or all of the season, obviously you don’t want to draft him. As of this writing TE Virgil Green is the #1 at the position, but he is not expected to be a major fantasy factor and not worth drafting or grabbing unless or until he produces on a consistent basis.

PK: Their kicker and the presumed starter is PK Calib Sturgis who was 1 for 2 and hit on 3 extra points. I’m not terribly excited about Sturgis, but we’ll see how he performs once the season begins. It’s also possible Sturgis doesn’t make the team, so not someone you’re going to want to draft, imo.

DEF: The Chargers are expected to have one of the better defenses in the AFC. The pass rushing duo of DE Joey Bosa and DE Melvin Ingram should be pretty disruptive. They were poor against the run last year and may remain so in 2018. Bosa dinged his left foot during practice, but hopefully he will be fine. Talented but fragile CB Jason Verrett has tore his Achilles and is already done for the season. This could/should be the last season for Verrett, who cannot be relied upon. Like Allen, he’s slightly built and aggressive, which has made him injury-prone.

End.