May 22, 2026, 11:13 AM ET

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.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 21, 2026, 1:54 PM ET

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.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Up & Adams

May 17, 2026, 3:59 PM ET

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.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 16, 2026, 9:36 AM ET

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.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 14, 2026, 4:48 PM ET

The 22nd overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had his rookie season disrupted by an ankle injury that caused him to miss eight games. However, the 23-year-old flashed high-end upside when on the field, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches across nine games. Heading into 2026, Hampton should be fully healthy for training camp and projects as the clear RB1 in Los Angeles. He'll also get the benefit of working in a revamped Chargers offense that should feature a significantly improved offensive line and will be directed by a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel. As long as he can avoid injuries, Hampton looks like an obvious breakout candidate entering 2026 and should be valued as an RB1 by dynasty managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 11, 2026, 9:39 AM ET

Despite potentially losing his most targeted receiver from 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was already considered an offseason winner with the team swapping out conservative offensive coordinator Greg Roman with one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. With the Chargers agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran tight end David Njoku on Monday, Los Angeles adds to what was already a deep group of pass catchers. With Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris at receiver, popular breakout candidate Omarion Hampton and speedster Keaton Mitchell at running back, and now Njoku paired with Oronde Gadsden in McDaniel's tight end-friendly scheme, Los Angeles could boast one of the most high-powered offenses in the league, and as the man in the middle of it, Herbert is likely to see his dynasty value take off. While playing behind a battered offensive line in 2025, he still earned a vote for MVP. With the team investing heavily up front in the 2026 NFL Draft while expecting returns to health from both Pro-Bowl tackles, the 28-year-old Herbert is a screaming buy at RotoBaller's dynasty QB9, a ranking that is sure to rise before the start of the season.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 11, 2026, 9:27 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had risen all the way to TE10 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings after flashing at a historical level in his rookie season and finishing his first campaign with 664 yards on 49 receptions. The thought of him working in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's tight end-friendly scheme was enough to push the soon-to-be 23-year-old into TE1 territory, but with the Chargers agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran David Njoku on Monday, Gadsden's breakout chances have been dealt a serious blow. While Njoku was essentially passed over in his final season with the Browns by rookie Harold Fannin Jr., he still offers unique athleticism and an immense target radius, and his blocking ability could make him more of a staple than Gadsden in three-receiver sets. With Njoku adding to what was already a crowded group of pass catchers, including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris, a reliable target share could be difficult for Gadsden to come by in year two. Gadsden's rookie peaks were as high as almost any player in league history, and Njoku's deal is only for one year, so while the 2025 fifth-round pick out of Syracuse will be clearly impacted in 2026, he should still provide significant value in best ball leagues and as a young dynasty stash.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 11, 2026, 9:14 AM ET

Veteran tight end David Njoku has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $8 million. The 2023 Pro Bowler played his first nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns but was allowed to reach free agency after ceding work to rookie Harold Fannin Jr. in 2025, resulting in his lowest reception and yardage totals since 2020. In Los Angeles, Njoku adds another option to Justin Herbert's crowded group of pass catchers, already including Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris. Offering a rare blend of size and athleticism, Njoku should still see plenty of fantasy spike weeks, making him an attractive late-round best ball target. Meanwhile, after rising all the way to TE10 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, second-year player Oronde Gadsden could now be forced to wait at least one more season before taking over the coveted pass-catching tight end role in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Ian Rapoport

May 9, 2026, 4:13 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris caught only 30 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown as a rookie, often left off the field in favor of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen. With significant changes coming to the Chargers' offense, there is a path for the 2025 second-round pick to take a significant step forward in year two. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel takes over for the far more conservative Greg Roman, which could mean more downfield opportunities for a player who averaged more than 17 yards per reception in his two years at Ole Miss. The Chargers also spent four of their eight 2026 draft picks on the offensive line and are expected to have both of their Pro Bowl tackles back and healthy for the start of the season, presumably allowing longer developing plays to operate more frequently on schedule. With Allen no longer on the roster, Los Angeles added speedy receiver Brenen Thompson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, which is a win for Harris in terms of immediate target distribution, though the two young receivers could operate in similar roles. At RotoBaller's WR66, Harris is a dynasty hold who has the skills to become a weekly fantasy contributor. He could also spend another year buried on the depth chart should the Chargers elect to bring in additional pass catchers, ever a possibility given the team's recent hosting of free-agent tight end David Njoku, while Allen also remains on the market.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:28 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal played a surprisingly important role in his team's offense in 2026, finishing the year with 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games. The Chargers were forced to turn to Vidal early in the year due to injuries to running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. While Vidal is back with Los Angeles for 2026, his playing time is an open question. Hampton should be fully healthy for the start of the year and profiles as a three-down back. The Chargers also signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal in free agency, which could signify that Mitchell has the upper hand on Vidal for the team's RB2 role. Despite the productive year in 2025, Vidal's dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

After topping 80 catches and 1,100 receiving yards as a rookie in 2024, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey turned in an underwhelming sophomore campaign in 2025. Across 16 games, the 24-year-old hauled in 66 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets. The Chargers will have a new play-caller in 2026 in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who could help McConkey rediscover his rookie-year magic. Former Chargers wideout Keenan Allen also remains unsigned, and his absence would likely allow McConkey to spend more time in the slot in 2026. Los Angeles does have other capable pass-catchers in wide receiver Quentin Johnston and tight end Oronde Gadsden, as well as 2025 second-round wideout Tre' Harris and 2026 fourth-round wideout Brenen Thompson. Still, McConkey has the highest upside of the bunch and should be the lead target-earner in McDaniel's revamped offense. In dynasty formats, McConkey could be a solid buy-low target entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 11:38 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Brenen Thompson was compared to speedy former Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill by head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who coached Hill in Miami, was advocating that the Chargers take the former Mississippi State speedster in this year's draft. He stands at 5-foot-9 and 164 pounds and will be the lightest player on the Chargers' roster, but he'll also be their fastest player after running a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine -- the third-fastest time by a WR since 2003. Thompson had an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards in 2025, which set the single-season school record at Mississippi State. Hill was a first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons with McDaniel, and he had a career-high 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. Thompson has also been compared to former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. Thompson's speed is enticing, but he'll be competing for targets in L.A. in a crowded WR room that also includes Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, and Derius Davis. Most likely, the 22-year-old will operate in a part-time role in specific packages in 2026 in which the Chargers can utilize his game-changing speed.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim

May 3, 2026, 9:22 AM ET

Free-agent tight end David Njoku is scheduled to visit with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Njoku has been a productive fantasy tight end across his nine seasons with the Browns, but his play fell off in 2025 as he ceded opportunities to breakout rookie Harold Fannin Jr. At almost 30 years old, Njoku still offers rare athleticism and a massive catch radius, and Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has seen past success utilizing tight ends Jonnu Smith and a 33-year-old Darren Waller. As such, Los Angeles looks to be one of the better landing spots for Njoku, though his presence would likely frustrate the dynasty managers of Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden showed some historic flashes as a rookie, and the thought of him in that same McDaniel offense has pushed him up to RotoBaller's dynasty TE10. Njoku, meanwhile, has fallen to TE26, though his value would spike should Monday's visit result in a contract.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Ian Rapoport

May 1, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

Across 16 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Herbert also had the most productive season of his career with his legs, racking up 498 yards and two touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts. Despite averaging a relatively modest 32 pass attempts per game, Herbert's uptick in rushing production allowed him to finish as the overall QB10 in fantasy. Heading into 2026, there's reason to believe that Herbert could be in line for an even better season. For one, Los Angeles replaced conservative play-caller Greg Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who could help unlock a new level of explosiveness for the Chargers offense. Additionally, Los Angeles overhauled the interior of its offensive line and will get back its star tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who combined to play just six games in 2025. All in all, Herbert's dynasty outlook is trending up as he heads into his age-28 season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 1, 2026, 9:17 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had some historic moments as a rookie in 2025, and consistency will now be key to making him a reliable fantasy presence in Year 2 and beyond. His 164 receiving yards in Week 7 were the most by a first-year tight end in 40 years, while he was only the third rookie tight end since 1970 to top 300 yards across a three-game span, joining Kyle Pitts Sr. and Brock Bowers. The Chargers' tendencies were streaky under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, with the team averaging 39.2 pass attempts through the first seven weeks but only 29.4 the rest of the way. Now under Mike McDaniel, Gadsden brings rare tools to a scheme that has seen Jonnu Smith and a 33-year-old Darren Waller churn out week-winning performances over the past two seasons. With bookend tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater also expected back, there will be less of a need to pull Gadsden from the field in favor of blocking tight ends like the newly acquired Charlie Kolar. With the Chargers bypassing the position entirely in a loaded 2026 NFL Draft, Gadsden's jumbo slot role looks to be secure heading into year two, and at RotoBaller's dynasty TE10, it's possible he's still being slept on despite already showing a ceiling that few players in the league are capable of reaching.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller