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The bad news for the San Diego Chargers keeps coming. Star wide receiver Keenan Allen is officially out for the season with a lacerated kidney. Allen is leading all AFC receivers in total receptions and has emerged as one of the best fantasy names at his position. The heartbreaking news broke Monday when head coach Mike McCoy said Allen is going to miss some time, and was worsened when it was confirmed he would be placed on season-ending IR. San Diego is also dealing with injury issues to Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green and multiple members of the offensive line. The Chargers are having extremely bad luck as their record is now 2-6 after Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Five of their six losses have been by a one possession difference.
Losing Allen will hurt the Chargers' chances at rebounding into playoff contention, but there’s still plenty of fantasy value to be discussed. Philip Rivers is second only to Tom Brady in fantasy points per game at the quarterback position. San Diego is all about the air attack this season, as Rivers is averaging 43.6 passing attempts per game. Over the last five games, he is averaging 373 passing yards with a total of thirteen touchdown passes. There’s a chance the Chargers will commit to the running game more to make up for Allen not being on the field, but the passing numbers are too astronomically high to not automatically increase the value of the other San Diego receivers.
Stevie Johnson and Malcom Floyd should be the biggest beneficiaries from Allen's absence. Johnson was off to a hot start to the season before dealing with injury issues and losing red zone targets. Floyd has been highly inconsistent--Sunday was his best performance of the season, as he posted four catches on six targets for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Both wide receivers will have expanded roles with Rivers missing his favorite target.
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Next week’s matchup against the weak Chicago Bears defense should see Johnson and Floyd have a high potential for big performances. With the injury bug going around the NFL and teams on bye finding sneaky plays to spot-start is tricky, but the Chargers situation gives you two prime options to go after this week. Tight ends Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green would also see a rise in production but both men are dealing with their own health concerns. Danny Woodhead is another player whose value should increase. As an elite pass-catching running back, expect Rivers to rely on the PPR monster more than usual.
