As the regular season approaches, most of the Chargers starters are now established, but a few questions remain. Here is a look at the team, as things currently stand.

QB: Obviously, the starter will be QB Justin Herbert who had a great rookie season last year. Barring injury, there is little reason to believe that he won’t have a similar, or better, year in 2021. Herbert will be a QB1 in most fantasy leagues.

RB: Things are mostly settled at the starting running back position but are unsettled in terms of the back-ups. The starter will be RB Austin Ekeler, who is durable and versatile. Ekeler is a pass catching threat as well as a threat on the ground. He will be a weak RB1 or better RB2 in most leagues. Now, RB Justin Jackson is on the Reserve/Covid-19 list, which could open opportunities for others and could hurt Jackson’s chances of even making the team. RB Joshua Kelley, RB Larry Rountree III and RB Darius Bradwell are currently fighting for that back-up spot. I have no idea who will win that competition, nor is it known if the back-up role will mean a lot to fantasy coaches, so I would not draft any of them, but keep an eye on the situation.

WR: It’s clear that WR Keenan Allen will be the wideout to target as the Chargers first team starter and a WR1 in most fantasy leagues. WR Mike Williams is good, but candidly has not lived up to my expectations due to inconsistency and injury but looks like a potential fantasy WR3 or FLEX. There are several players competing for that 3^rd slot including WR Jalen Guyton, WR Tyron Johnson, WR KJ Hill, WR Austin Proehl, who will probably see plenty of special teams action, and others. Some of these guys are actually pretty good and could make an impact, but for the time being, draft Allen for sure, perhaps Williams late and watch and learn who gets the looks and who does not. There may be a free agent opportunity here for those paying attention.

TE: As I have noted, I like TE Donald Parham, Jr a lot. He’s a freak of nature in terms of his speed which defies his size. Parham will get opportunities, if he makes the team (he should), but veteran TE Jared Cook should be considered the primary option. Rookie TE Tre’ McKitty may also get his opportunities, but how much he plays is an unknown. I wouldn’t spend a high draft pick on any of them, but this is a situation worth watching.

PK: The competition seems to be between returning PK Michael Badgley, PK Tristan Vizcaino and PK Alex Kessman. While I suspect Badgley will return, in my view, he should not as his kicking has been poor and inconsistent. I would not draft a Chargers kicker, but if whoever gets the job starts kicking well, then that may change things.


Good luck in your fantasy draft!

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