On paper, the Los Angeles Chargers look like a solid contender. They have especially beefed up their defense and added depth as well. Here’s a look at the Chargers as things currently stand.

QB: Most would likely rank QB Justin Herbert as a Top 5 starter. He’s young, accurate, mobile, doesn’t make many mistakes, has a ton of quality targets, and his offensive line protection should improve this season. Expect him to be grabbed quickly in most fantasy drafts as their fantasy QB1.

RB: Perhaps I am in the minority, but the Chargers running back position doesn’t seem to have a lot of depth to me. Granted, RB Austin Ekeler is a terrific all-purpose player, but there’s a big drop off from there. While the Chargers do have players with promise, no one has really stepped up to demonstrate that they could replace Ekeler if he went down to injury. So Ekeler is likely a fantasy RB1, but beyond that, I likely wouldn’t draft any other Chargers running backs until they show us something.

WR: Conversely, there is considerable depth at the wide receiver position. The stars of the show are WR Keenan Allen, who is a WR1 in most leagues, and WR Mike Williams, who is a big play weak WR1 or better WR2. But the team has several reserves who can get it done week to week such as WR Jalen Guyton or WR Joshua Palmer. For now, the focus should be on Williams and Allen, but if either is injured, take a hard look at Guyton and Palmer.

TE: The Bolts have more depth than they’ve had in awhile at tight end. Their TE1, who may be a fantasy TE2 is TD Gerald Everett. Other quality players at the position include TE Donald Parham, Jr. aka "chicken parm" and TE Tre’ McKitty. Everett is likely the only position player worth a draft pick, but both Parham and McKitty are worthy receivers who are capable of big plays.

PK: Former Commanders PK Justin Hopkins did surprisingly well last season and should be an above average fantasy option. That said, I do expect the Chargers to score more TDs than kick FGs, which could limit Hopkins’ numbers at times.

DEF: The Chargers have invested the most time and money in their defense, adding quality starters and as mentioned, depth. The team has added stars like CB J.C. Jackson to suit up alongside emerging stars like Assante Samuel, Jr. If he stays healthy, S Derwin James, Jr. is one of the best in the league. And LB Joey Bosa and LB Khalil Mack are possibly the best edge rushing duo in the NFL. The Chargers play in a tough division, but I do expect marked improvement in their defense.

End.