The San Diego Chargers were defeated by the Arizona Cardinals 17-13 in a week 1 preseason game in Arizona. We really didn’t learn a lot that we didn’t already know. Here’s a look at the game and the current state of the team.

QB: Philip Rivers did not play. Rivers is a top 12 fantasy option until proven otherwise. Rivers’ backups all played well, but unless Rivers is injured, that doesn’t much matter.

RB: As you may know, starting RB Melvin Gordon is in a contract holdout situation. I can’t see the Chargers caving on this, because they don’t have to, so hopefully we’ll see Gordon back sooner or later. Obviously, you have to take all of this into account if drafting Gordon. He could return soon or sit out the season. RB Austin Ekeler was sharp with 5 carries for 40 yards and 3 catches for 29 yards. However, Ekeler did lose a fumble. RB Justin Jackson carried 5 times for 22 yards and a TD but had no receptions. With the Gordon holdout situation, I don’t care for any of the Chargers running backs too very much. If Gordon plays, obviously he’s a great option, but that’s very iffy. If he doesn’t, Jackson and Ekeler will share carries making each of them so-so plays. Unless you can get these guys at a bargain price, or feel like rolling the dice on Gordon, I’d encourage you go tread lightly.

WR: No Chargers wideout scored or did anything exciting, so I won’t waste my time or yours. Consider WR Keenan Allen a weak WR1 or strong WR2, with a higher-than-usual propensity towards injury. WR Mike Williams looks like a WR2 and has a chance to breakout this year. WR Travis Benjamin is hot and cold, more cold than hot, and I don’t care for his inconsistency. You could easily get 0 fantasy points or 2 scores. He may see more targets now that WR Tyrell Williams has fled to Oakland, but I’m still not optimistic.

TE: Only 2 catches for 15 yards for TE Hunter Henry. I expect Henry to be a top 5 tight end.

 

PK: The only scoring by a Chargers kicker was the 1 extra point made by PK Mike Badgley. Consider Badgley a top 12 option.

DEF: The big news is that standout S Derwin James has a stress fracture in his foot and he will miss a number of weeks. That definitely hurts the Chargers defense. I expect the Chargers defense to be above average, but not much more. If Derwin misses a lot of time, then take that into consideration as an adverse factor.

 

End.