The Chargers beat the Houston Texans in their first preseason game, by the score of 27-7. While everyone likes to win, as you know, preseason games don’t mean much, since starters are typically rested to avoid injury. Here’s a look at the team, as we race towards the regular season.

QB: I continue to believe that QB Justin Herbert has top 10, and perhaps, top 5 talent. I’m still not sure what the Chargers’ mix of pass to runs will be under new OC Mike McDaniel. I’d be surprised if he didn’t have a solid season, making Herbert a QB1 in most leagues.

RB: Barring injury, RB Omarion Hampton looks like a solid fantasy option and is an RB2 in most leagues with RB1 potential. I would expect RB Keaton Mitchell to be the 3^rd down back, and while I wouldn’t draft him, he could surprise. RB Kimani Vidal and RB Jarret Patterson subbed for Hampton during last season’s injury, and performed well, but are of little value when Hampton is healthy.

WR: This is a position where things get a bit muddled. The most obvious fantasy option is WR Ladd McConkey, who I believe looks like a WR2. The next in line would appear to be deep threat WR Quentin "Stone Hands" Johnston. I coined that nickname a couple of years ago, and while he had improved, it seems as though Johnston has regressed in camp, with numerous reported drops. WR3 for now. The Chargers have several young players who could step up and fill the role of the now departed former Charger WR Keenan Allen. They include WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR Brenen Thompson, and especially WR Tre’ Harris. I’d put these last 3 in the "watch and learn" category but keep an especially close eye on Harris.

TE: I’d consider TE Oronde Gadsden a TE2 due to competition at the position, and otherwise. I think he has TE1 talent, but I don’t think he’ll get TE1 looks. TE David Njoku is probably not worth drafting if Gadsden is healthy, but he will vulture some catches and scores, from time-to-time. I probably wouldn’t draft either one, but either could surprise.

PK: In my view, PK Cameron Dicker is one of the league’s best. Need I say more?

DEF: I don’t expect the Chargers’ defense to dominate, but I do expect them to be above average. Let’s not forget that they have a tough 2026 schedule. Most of the Chargers EDGE pass rushers have looked good in camp, including EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Tuki Tuipulotu and EDGE Akheem Mesidor looks like a one-man wrecking crew. Most of the rest of the defense is hit or miss. S Derwin James is one of the best.

Good luck with your fantasy drafts and I will see you for my week #1 preview!

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