In preseason action, the Rams beat the Chargers 29-22. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t mean much, as the Chargers are resting their starters. Here’s where the team stands, as of this writing.

QB: It’s no secret that QB Justin Herbert is among the top quarterbacks in the National Football League. I would expect him to go in the top 5 in most drafts, making him an obvious QB1. In the first preseason game, veteran QB Chase Daniel was outplayed by QB Easton Stick, but that probably doesn’t mean a thing if Herbert remains healthy.

RB: As you also know, RB Austin Ekeler is the team’s clear RB1 and Ekeler too did not play. Battle for the 2^nd spot on the depth chart appears to be between RB Joshua Kelley and rookie RB Isaiah Spiller. Kelley has put on some size and appears to have the edge as Ekeler’s back-up. However, as of this writing, neither Kelley, Spiller or any of the other Chargers running backs are worthy of serious draft consideration.

WR: The Chargers have a good problem in that they have an abundance of quality wide receivers. The obvious wideouts to own are WR Keenan Allen (WR1) and WR Mike Williams (weaker WR1 or strong WR2). I won’t mention too many of the others, but there are several guys who don’t quite have the talent of Allen or Williams, but nonetheless could step up and produce, especially in an injury situation.

TE: While the team doesn’t have what I’d call a star tight end, they do have some at the position of average to better-than-average quality. The starter is TE Gerald Everett (TE2) and backups TE Tre’ McKitty and TE Donald Parham, Jr. are both solid but likely undraftable due to lack of opportunity.

PK: It appears PK Dustin Hopkins will return as the Chargers starter. Hopkins was a major upgrade from several former Chargers kickers and should be considered as an average to slightly above average fantasy option.

DEF: Defense is the position that looks to potentially have the most improvement over 2021. While LB Khalil Mack and LB Joey Bosa are your clear edge starters, LB Chris Rumph looked solid in preseason. It would be nice to have some fresh legs to spell Bosa or Mack. The Chargers have a number of excellent starters including newcomer CB J.C. Jackson, CB Asante Samuel, Jr., LB Drew Tranquill, and S Derwin James Jr.

We’ll be back soon. Good luck in your fantasy drafts!

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