RADIO
Can Keaton Mitchell Carve Out a Large Enough Role for a Fantasy Breakout?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell brought energy and excitement to the field throughout his three-year stint with the Ravens, but injuries and a 191-pound frame have limited him to only 144 total opportunities across those three seasons. Regularly showcasing his game-breaking speed, he averaged a whopping 6.8 yards per touch on that minimal workload, and in agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with the Chargers, he lands with an offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel who arguably values speed more than any playcaller in the league. Mitchell is expected to serve primarily as a change-of-pace back behind 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton, so he won't see the type of volume that allowed McDaniel to turn past speedsters De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert into Pro Bowlers, but in an offense known for creating space for its playmakers, a career year is very much in the cards. At only 24 years old, Mitchell is RotoBaller's RB80, but now, almost 30 months removed from the ACL tear that ended his rookie season and cost him the majority of his sophomore campaign, he is an easy player to get excited about and a low-cost breakout candidate, particularly in best ball formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Quentin Johnston Undervalued by Dynasty Managers?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston looked like he might be on his way to a breakout season early in 2025, recording 22 receptions for 337 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets across his first four games of the year. However, the 24-year-old's production tailed off the rest of the way, and he finished the season with 51 catches for 735 yards and eight scores on 84 targets across 14 contests. Johnston has been frustratingly inconsistent since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chargers, mixing flashes of brilliance with extended stretches of underperformance. He now has significant target competition around him in Los Angeles entering 2026 in the form of wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris, as well as tight end Oronde Gadsden II. At the same time, Johnston will have a chance to work with a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel, who helped unlock monster fantasy seasons from multiple players during his time as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Johnston's profile remains boom/bust, but he may be slightly undervalued in dynasty formats heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omarion Hampton Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Despite Injury History
A first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton played just nine games as a rookie after fracturing his left ankle in Week 5. However, the 23-year-old should be fully healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Hampton was productive when healthy last season, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches. He should be in an even better position to succeed in his second year with the Chargers following the team's hire of former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as its new offensive coordinator. The Los Angeles offensive line should also be massively improved with healthy seasons from the star tackle duo of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Hampton's rookie season may not have been as explosive as fantasy managers would have hoped, but he remains a high-upside player who should be valued as an RB1 in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Herbert Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said on Tuesday that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been overhauling his footwork in the offseason in an effort to speed up his release and get the ball out of his hand quicker, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "Mechanically, it's a little different timing ... he wants the ball out early. We feel like that is going to help us get the ball out quicker," Herbert said. McDaniel said last month that the goal is for Herbert to "own the position," and McDaniel plans to maximize Herbert's success on passes with 2.4 seconds or less time to throw. Once plays extended into the intermediate timing window last year -- between roughly 2.4 and 3.5 seconds, Herbert's efficiency dipped. The move to get the ball out of Herbert's hand faster makes plenty of sense, as he was the league's most hit and pressured QB in 2025, spending most of his time scrambling to avoid pass-rushers behind an ineffective and banged-up offensive line. With Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury, Herbert should be better protected, but it may not matter if he's getting the ball out quicker. The Oregon product's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into the 2026 season, and he'll be a nice low-end QB1 target if you wait a bit on the position.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Is Justin Herbert Entering His True Dynasty Prime?
Following an Offensive Rookie of the Year win in 2020 and a 5,000-yard passing season in year two, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert peaked as high as the QB1 in consensus dynasty rankings. Since then, he's had fantasy finishes as the QB11, QB17, QB12, and QB10, and had nearly fallen out of dynasty's top 10 by the end of his second season in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense. Heading into 2026, the Chargers hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to run the offense and have begun shaping the roster to match his scheme. Los Angeles added quality pieces at fullback and tight end, which should, in theory, create more one-on-one opportunities for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, while free agent Keaton Mitchell and fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson add game-breaking speed. With a healthier offensive line, the Chargers could have one of the most improved offenses in 2026, and yet Herbert's dynasty stock has been relatively unimpacted, as he still sits at QB9 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. Only 28 years old and likely priced close to his floor, he has become one of this offseason's most attractive buy candidates.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Talent Overcome Situation for Oronde Gadsden II?
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II had an eye-opening mid-season stretch as a rookie in which he caught 24 passes for 377 yards across four games. While he was unable to maintain that torrid pace down the stretch, he was one of the most popular breakout candidates of the early offseason. Since then, the team has added Charlie Kolar and David Njoku in free agency, and with Gadsden's blocking ability viewed as the primary reason he couldn't stay on the field as a rookie, the increased competition in that regard could make it difficult for him to find a full-time role. Even with the league trending toward heavier personnel usage, new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has not strictly relied on tight ends to get bigger bodies on the field. Only the 49ers ran a higher percentage of plays with a fullback on the field than McDaniel's 2025 Dolphins, and with former Pro Bowler Alec Ingold following his coach West, there's a strong indication that tendency could hold up in Los Angeles. Gadsden has obvious talents that McDaniel will look to take advantage of, but if he's viewed as more of a gadget piece than an every-down mainstay in the Chargers' new offense, it could be difficult for him to live up to his billing as RotoBaller's dynasty TE10.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
David Njoku a Short-Term Dynasty Buy
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku was one of the latest additions to the team, signing a one-year deal in mid-May, but he has a chance to make a legitimate fantasy impact in his tenth professional season. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has found great success in recent seasons by involving his tight ends, and the room he has already helped to build in Los Angeles boasts a variety of skill sets. Free agent acquisition Charlie Kolar is one of the league's most impactful blockers, while second-year player Oronde Gadsden II flashed game-breaking athleticism as a rookie, but with Njoku being the most well-rounded of the three, he could become the most difficult to pull from the field. Coming off a down year and turning 30 before the start of training camp, he has fallen to dynasty TE26, making him a low-cost trade target. Having finished as the TE13 or better in three of the past four seasons, while playing in a low-scoring Browns offense, Njoku offers obvious short-term upside to contending managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris has Been a Top-Three Receiver During Offseason Program
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, and Ladd McConkey have "clearly been the top three" wide receivers for the Bolts throughout the offseason program, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harris, 24, was the 55th overall pick in the second round in last year's NFL draft out of Ole Miss. He caught 30 of his 43 targets for 324 yards and just one touchdown in 17 regular-season games (10 starts) for the Bolts, but he appears primed to take on a bigger role in Year 2 under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel with veteran Keenan Allen still a free agent. Harris' fantasy stock for the 2026 season would take a major hit if Allen were to re-sign in L.A. While Harris has an opportunity for a bigger role this year, he will be battling for the WR3 role with fourth-round rookie Brenen Thompson, and he'll most likely go undrafted in 12-team fantasy football leagues this fall. At RotoBaller, Harris is currently ranked just inside the top-100 fantasy wideouts at No. 90 as he embarks on his second year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Derwin James Jr. Becomes Highest-Paid Safety for the Second Time in his Career
Los Angeles Chargers five-time Pro Bowl selection Derwin James Jr. became the highest-paid safety for the second time in his career on Tuesday after agreeing to a three-year, $25.2 million per year contract extension that includes $57.5 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 29-year-old strong safety dealt with injuries early in his career after the Bolts selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft out of Florida State, but he quickly bounced back after getting healthy and has been one of the best all-around safeties in the game in his seven years with the Chargers. James has had 100-plus combined tackles four times in his career, and he had 94 tackles (50 solo) with two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2025. He finished as the No. 20 defensive back in IDP fantasy formats and should once again be in play as an every-week starting DB in those formats in 2026 in his eighth year in the league as a catalyst for L.A's defense.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Kimani Vidal Easily Acquirable as a High-Value Insurance Back
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal led the team in carries and rushing yards in 2025, with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris missing a combined 22 games. While Harris remains unsigned, Hampton is back and healthy, with the presumption that the 2025 first-round pick will handle close to a bell-cow role in his second season. The team added former Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, bringing an element of speed coveted by new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, and he is likely to serve as the primary change-of-pace back while Vidal becomes more of a true handcuff to Hampton. Without an injury ahead of him, Vidal could struggle to find standalone value before becoming an exclusive rights free agent in 2027. However, with McDaniel calling plays and the Chargers' offensive line expected to be healthy again in 2026, Los Angeles' offense should provide one of the league's best situations for a runner to be dropped into, making him one of the more valuable insurance backs in fantasy and a must-roster player. Vidal is RotoBaller's dynasty RB57, making him an easy throw-in as part of a larger deal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey is Solid Buy-Low Candidate
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey was electric during his rookie season in 2024. He finished with 82 receptions for over 1,100 receiving yards during his first year in the league. Fantasy managers thought they caught lightning in a bottle with McConkey, but he struggled to find the same kind of success last season. He fell into a sophomore slump, where he produced 66 receptions for 789 yards across 16 games. It was a significant drop in production for McConkey, but his value could be on the rise again. The Chargers have a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel, who should help improve this offense as a whole. The bigger news is that Keenan Allen remains unsigned right now. Assuming he doesn't return to the Chargers, McConkey should spend more time in the slot, where he's usually more reliable. A revamped offensive scheme and shift to the full-time slot role should make McConkey a solid buy-low candidate.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brenen Thompson a Perfect Fit for Chargers, Rising in Dynasty Leagues?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson is a very appealing name for managers in dynasty fantasy football leagues. While the Chargers have a somewhat crowded, young receiver room, there's an opportunity for Thompson to carve out a role in his rookie year and serve as a key receiving threat long-term. Thompson offers blazing speed and the ability to stretch the field for the Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh compared the rookie to Tyreek Hill, which is very exciting when you consider that the Chargers' current offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, was Hill's head coach in Miami. We're not necessarily saying that Thompson will replicate Hill's back-to-back WR2 finishes from 2022 and 2023, but rather, we're encouraged by what seems like a real commitment to targeting Thompson downfield quite often. Even if it takes him a little while to adjust to the NFL in his rookie season, his ability to speed by defenders makes him a perfect fit for a pass-heavy system led by strong-armed quarterback Justin Herbert. Given his long-term upside as a WR3/flex or better, he's a steal at his current ranking as the WR94 in dynasty leagues. Dynasty managers are strongly encouraged to take a flier on Thompson in the late second or early third round of 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Door isn't Closed for Keenan Allen in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said on Up & Adams on Thursday that the "door isn't closed" for veteran free-agent wide receiver Keenan Allen to potentially return to the Chargers. Hortiz adds that the team is giving their younger players a chance to grow and develop first and foremost, but they continue to stay in touch with Allen's representatives. There have been rumors that Allen could sign with the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, which could be gaining steam after recent news on Rashee Rice's knee surgery and violation of his probation. The 34-year-old Allen remains on the open market with June quickly approaching after he caught 81 passes on 122 targets for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his return to L.A. in 2025. If the six-time Pro Bowler were to return to the Bolts, he'd likely be competing for the WR3 or WR4 role behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, at the very least. He'd have more deep-league fantasy football appeal if he were to sign in Kansas City.
Source: Up & Adams
Source: Up & Adams
Keaton Mitchell a Prime Dynasty Handcuff Option Entering First Season in L.A.
Across 13 games as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell recorded 404 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 68 touches. While Mitchell never quite carved out a consistent role in the Baltimore offense in any of his three seasons with the team, he consistently flashed high-end upside by averaging 6.8 yards per touch. Now in Los Angeles, Mitchell remains blocked off from the RB1 role by the presence of Chargers running back Omarion Hampton. However, Mitchell looks like the favorite for the team's RB2 role and could be Los Angeles' lead pass-catcher out of the backfield. He also has the benefit of working with new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who consistently squeezed fantasy-relevant production out of multiple running backs during his time as the play-caller for the Miami Dolphins. Following his offseason change of scenery, Mitchell's dynasty stock is rising entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Quentin Johnston on the Verge of a Dynasty Breakout?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has been a frustrating fantasy performer over his first three years in the league. The 24-year-old Johnston has shown flashes of dominance, opening 2025 as the WR4 through the first month of the season before inconsistency, drops, and a crowded depth chart saw him drop to a WR49 pace the rest of the way. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel recently made headlines by comparing Johnston to legends like Julio Jones and Andre Johnson, but there's reason to believe he could at least partially back up his words with action. McDaniel has famously used pre-snap motion to create mismatches, and with Los Angeles adding game-breaking speed through both free agency and the draft, Johnston should find himself more commonly playing in space and given the opportunity to take advantage of the unique YAC-abilities that made him a first-round pick in 2023. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR61, Johnston is potentially underpriced as a key piece of what could soon become one of the league's most high-powered offensive units.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
