RADIO
Keaton Mitchell Sees Six Touches in Week 2 Loss
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell had five carries for 24 yards in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old also caught his lone target for 15 yards. Mitchell was one of Mike McDaniel's players he campaigned for during free agency; however, he has seen minimal touches translate into no fantasy success. Through two games, he has totaled nine carries for 33 yards and zero touchdowns. Mitchell has the speed and the explosiveness to be fantasy-relevant on limited touches, but he has yet to produce a carry over 12 yards. The East Carolina product should remain out of fantasy lineups in Week 3 as the team travels to Buffalo.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Omarion Hampton Has Bounce-Back Performance in Week 2 Loss
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had 23 carries for 94 yards, a touchdown, and a fumble in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-year-old also caught both of his targets for 21 yards. After struggling in Week 1, Hampton bounced back with an 18.5 PPR-point performance that will likely place him among the top-8 running backs this week. Hampton saw a slight uptick in usage in the Chargers' passing game this week, which boosts his fantasy production for the rest of the season if he continues to get touches through the air. Through two weeks, Hampton has totaled 35 carries for 137 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The panic meter spiked for the Chargers after dropping their first two games, but Hampton can still be a valuable fantasy asset if he continues to get a lot of volume. Hampton and the Chargers will head on the road for the first time this season to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Justin Herbert Continues His Struggles in Week 2 Loss
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went 15-for-27 for 192 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his team's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert also had three carries for two yards while putting the ball on the turf three times, but it didn't result in any turnovers. The panic meter has spiked for the Chargers after dropping to 0-2 after being heavy favorites to open the year. To make matters worse, the team is gearing up to face the hardest seven-game stretch and likely will not be the favorite in a matchup until they face the New York Jets in Week 11. Through two weeks, Herbert is 32-for-54 (59%) for 401 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and is outside the top 20 quarterbacks in fantasy points. Herbert and the Chargers will attempt to get their season on track at Buffalo in Week 3.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Derwin James Jr. Suffers Broken Finger
Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James Jr. (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. James suffered a broken pinky finger during the first quarter of Sunday's contest, per Kris Rhim. He recorded seven tackles before leaving the contest. It sounds like James wants to play with a cast on his hand moving forward. His absence from his secondary would certainly be a significant hit to the Chargers' defense. They certainly felt his absence during the second half of Sunday's loss to the Raiders. Tony Jefferson is a candidate to see increased playing time if James misses time.
Source: Kris Rhim
Source: Kris Rhim
David Njoku Leaves Game Against Raiders with Knee Injury
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku (knee) was carted off the field in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders and did not return to the game. Njoku finished the 26-14 loss to the Raiders with one catch on three targets for nine yards. Following the game, Los Angeles head coach Jim Harbaugh said he did not have an update on Njoku, according to Alex Insdorf of Bolts Breakdown. Fellow L.A. tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) also exited the game with a forearm injury after recording three receptions for 21 yards. Meanwhile, Oronde Gadsden caught each of his two targets for 18 yards. The severity of the injuries to Njoku and Kolar is something to monitor.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Charlie Kolar Suffers Forearm Injury in Loss to Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) suffered a forearm injury in the second half of a 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and was deemed questionable to return. It did not appear that Kolar was able to return. He finished the game with three receptions for 21 yards. In Week 1, Kolar did not record an offensive statistic despite playing 30 offensive snaps. The Chargers also lost fellow tight end David Njoku (knee), who was carted off the field, to a knee injury earlier on Sunday. If Kolar and Njoku both miss time, tight end Oronde Gadsden could see more targets coming his way. L.A.'s tight end situation is one to monitor closely. UPDATE: Kolar was seen wearing a sling around his left arm after Sunday's loss to the Raiders, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Derwin James Jr. Questionable To Return With Hand Injury
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has a hand injury and is questionable to return, according to a report from the team. James suffered the injury in the first half of the Chargers' game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had two solo tackles before leaving the contest. Los Angeles has given up a 40-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Tre Tucker in the second quarter. James is the veteran leader of the Chargers defense and is good in coverage, an above-average tackler, and menace on occasional blitzes. His loss will be felt by the defense as they look to shut down Cousins and the Raiders' passing attack, as well as the run game with Ashton Jeanty.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
David Njoku Questionable to Return After Being Carted Off the Field
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku (knee) is questionable to return for Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the team reported via the X platform. The veteran had to be carted off the field on Sunday and couldn't put weight on his right leg. Njoku had one reception for nine yards before exiting the game in the first half.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey Active Against Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Alex Insdorf. McConkey missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before getting back on the field in a limited capacity Friday, and he carried a questionable tag into Sunday. He caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Arizona. McConkey will give it a go against Las Vegas despite the rib injury, keeping one of Justin Herbert's primary options in the lineup. Fantasy managers who were considering using Quentin Johnston or Tre'Harris in a flex spot this weekend due to McConkey's injury might want to go in another direction now.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Quentin Johnston Remains a Risky Flex Option in Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston remains a reasonable deeper-league option for Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnston drew six targets in the opener but turned them into only two catches for 17 yards, while Tre' Harris also saw six targets and Ladd McConkey led the team with seven. Johnston did play 43 offensive snaps, the most among Chargers wide receivers, so the role itself was not especially small. McConkey is questionable with a rib injury after missing Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a limited practice Friday, and reports Sunday indicated he was trending toward playing. That keeps Johnston's ceiling somewhat dependent on how close McConkey is to full strength. Las Vegas allowed 185 passing yards in Week 1, although Miami's Caleb Douglas still reached 94 receiving yards. Johnston has enough playing time and target opportunity to stay in the flex conversation, but his Week 1 production and McConkey's improving outlook make him more comfortable in deeper formats than as a lineup lock.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey to Wear Flak Jacket, Pushing to Play
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib) is expected to wear a flak jacket if he plays in Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport adds that McConkey, who is listed as questionable with a cracked rib, is "pushing to play," and the team is optimistic that he'll be active, barring a setback. The 24-year-old had five catches for 82 yards and one touchdown before exiting early during last week's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. He reminded everyone of his status as Justin Herbert's favorite target, consistently making big plays when called upon. The Georgia product is usually a low-end fantasy WR1, but managers should temper expectations this week and assume that the lingering injury will put him more in the WR2 tier.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Chargers D/ST Is a Top-Five Option in Week 2 vs. Raiders
The Los Angeles Chargers D/ST was expected to be one of the best options for fantasy football to start the season due to favorable matchups. However, they surrendered almost 400 total yards and 26 points to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. In addition, the team managed to get one sack and forced zero turnovers. Entering Week 2, the Chargers D/ST is RotoBaller's D/ST5 for the week. They will host a banged-up Las Vegas Raiders offense on Sunday. Raiders' star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful to make his season debut despite returning to the practice field on Friday. This lets the Chargers focus exclusively on holding Ashton Jeanty in check on the ground. The Chargers D/ST should be comfortably inserted into fantasy lineups heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Cameron Dicker Remains A Starting Fantasy Kicker for Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers placekicker Cameron Dicker is still worth starting in fantasy football lineups in Week 2. The Chargers will host division rival Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon. Dicker fell victim to an underwhelming Week 1 performance by the Chargers offense that produced two touchdowns and failed to surpass 300 total yards. As a result, the 26-year-old had two fantasy points in an expected favorable matchup. Dicker enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's K6. The Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards, five 20-plus-yard passing plays, and 4.1 yards per contact to a shaky Miami Dolphins offense. If the Chargers are the offense we expected, Dicker will be attached to an elite offense with a favorable matchup. Managers can once again put Dicker in starting lineups heading into Week 2.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
David Njoku A Risky Play in Week 2 Matchup vs. Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku appears to be the Chargers' lead tight end heading into Sunday's home matchup against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku led the position group in targets, catches, and receiving yards in the home opener last week. The 30-year-old enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR TE24 against a shaky Raiders secondary. The Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards to an inexperienced Miami Dolphins passing game last week. Njoku will receive a slight bump in value if Ladd McConkey (ribs) is unable to play, but will still have to compete with Charlie Kolar and Oronde Gadsden for snaps. McConkey exited Week 1 after taking a big hit and was held out of practice until participating in a limited amount on Friday. Njoku is a touchdown-dependent tight end and should remain off fantasy radars heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Tre' Harris on Deep-League Flex Radar vs. Raiders in Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris offers intriguing upside on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Harris could be forced into the WR2 role with Ladd McConkey (ribs) being listed as questionable. McConkey exited Week 1 after taking a big hit and was held out of practice until participating in a limited amount on Friday. Harris enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR WR70 in a favorable matchup against the Raiders' secondary. Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards and five 20-plus-yard passing plays to a shaky Miami Dolphins passing game last week. This could be the opportunity Harris stockholders have been waiting for to see their fantasy investment break out in an expanded role. Harris is a viable flex option in deeper leagues and carries an unknown ceiling heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
