December 30, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers are choosing to rest starting quarterback
Justin Herbert for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in Denver against the division-rival Broncos, which opens the door for backup
Trey Lance to make his first start of the season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that Lance will start against the Broncos and their strong defense. The 25-year-old former third overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2021 out of North Dakota State will be making just his sixth start in the NFL. There is an opportunity for Lance, but we won't be expecting much from him in his first start of the year for various reasons. For one, the Chargers' banged-up offensive line is unlikely to be able to protect him consistently against a Broncos D that leads the league in sacks. Additionally, the Bolts could be resting other key offensive skill players besides Herbert. Lance should be considered a desperation low-end QB2 in superflex leagues this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers tight end
Oronde Gadsden found the end zone for the first time since Week 8 during Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end was able to salvage his fantasy value with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the game with three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the one score. His value has been inconsistent this season, and it's not going to get any better in Week 18 in the regular-season finale on the road against a tough Denver Broncos defense. The Chargers are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, which includes quarterback
Justin Herbert. Backup
Trey Lance will take over under center, which will be a downgrade for the entire offense. It's unclear how much Gadsden is going to play, and having a backup QB throwing the rock around isn't going to do him any favors. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for TE help in Week 18.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Trey Lance will make the start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The Chargers will rest
Justin Herbert, and he won't dress for the game in Denver. Lance will make his first start of the year and only the sixth start of his NFL career.
DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to back Lance up. The 25-year-old former first-round pick has completed seven of his 13 pass attempts in three games played for the Bolts in 2025 for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. With other starters on offense possibly being rested while facing one of the best defenses in the league (the Broncos will be playing for a first-round bye), Lance will not be set up for success in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Justin Herbert won't play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harbaugh said that other starters with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play either. Herbert has been playing through a fractured left hand for weeks, but he's been practicing in full and hasn't missed any time. The Bolts are electing to give the 27-year-old signal-caller some extra rest before the start of the postseason. With Herbert sitting this Sunday, backup
Trey Lance will be thrust into a starting role, and it remains to be seen what other offensive skill players the Bolts might rest. With a win this weekend, the Broncos would clinch the top seed in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston has had a rollercoaster 2025 season. After averaging 84.3 receiving yards per game and scoring four touchdowns over the first four weeks of the season, the 24-year-old averaged just 24.5 yards per game and scored two touchdowns over his next eight contests. However, Johnston appears to be re-emerging in recent weeks. Over his last two games, he's recorded nine receptions for 202 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Johnston remains a big-play threat, averaging 14.4 yards per reception for the season and 22.4 yards per reception over the last two weeks. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Johnston could be a player to target on the waiver wire heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) is inactive for Saturday's contest against the Houston Texans. The second-year running back exited their victory over the Cowboys last weekend with this injury. During the week, Vidal was unable to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday but made progress on Thursday, logging a limited session, suggesting he could be in the mix to return. However, the Chargers will lean on the side of caution and keep him on the sidelines this afternoon. As a result, managers should expect rookie running back
Omarion Hampton to operate as the clear RB1 in the offense while
Hassan Haskins serves as the change-of-pace option. Hampton should be started in all formats as a low-end RB1 given his projected workload despite facing a formidable Houston defense.
--Andy SmithSource: Daniel Popper
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal is in a precarious position heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. Vidal is officially questionable after sustaining a neck strain last week. He managed a limited practice on Friday but was largely ineffective before exiting the game, posting just 2.2 yards per carry. He continues to be outshined by rookie
Omarion Hampton, who has shown far superior explosiveness and vision. The Texans boast a top-seven rush defense that allows the fifth-fewest rushing yards in the league, making this a brutal environment for a struggling, banged-up back. Even if Vidal is active, his plummeting volume and lack of production make him an impossible start with fantasy titles on the line. He should remain on your bench this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has this unit playing inspired football of late, having just held the high-powered Dallas Cowboys to 17 points to secure a fourth straight win. While the Chargers D/ST lacks the flashy defensive touchdowns that drive elite fantasy scores, they are a dominant real-life unit playing at home in SoFi Stadium on Saturday. They face a Houston Texans offense that, while efficient, ranks only 19th in passing and 23rd in rushing yards per game. This game is shaping up to be a low-scoring battle of field position. Although safety R.J. Mickens (shoulder) is out, the expected return of Elijah Molden and Bud Dupree bolsters the rotation. If you prioritize a high floor and low points allowed, this unit is a solid streaming D/ST with top-10 potential this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers kicker
Cameron Dicker has been the definition of reliable, remaining perfect last week with two field goals and four extra points. However, his Week 17 outlook is tempered by a projected low-scoring affair against the Houston Texans. Both the Chargers and the Texans have ridden elite defenses to recent success, with Houston limiting opponents to just 18 points per game during their seven-game win streak. This matchup has the hallmarks of a defensive slog, which could severely limit the Chargers' ability to move the ball into scoring range. While Dicker's accuracy is never in question, the lack of projected offensive volume caps his ceiling in a week where every point matters. He is a mid-range K1 and ranks K13 in the weekly rankings.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden saw his involvement crater last week, recording just one catch for seven yards on a season-low 3.5% target share. This drop in usage stems from the Chargers prioritizing extra pass protection for their battered offensive line, leaving non-blocking Gadsden on the sidelines for significant stretches. The Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans offers little hope for a rebound. While Houston is occasionally susceptible to tight end touchdowns, they rank top-10 in yards allowed to the position and lead the league in EPA/Pass. With Gadsden's routes and targets trending sharply downward, he cannot be trusted during the most important week of the fantasy season. He should remain on your bench as a low-end TE2.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris saw his opportunities dwindle in Week 16, as his snap share fell from 85% to 46% following
Quentin Johnston's return. While Harris remained efficient with four catches for 54 yards, he is now the third or fourth option in a low-volume passing attack. This Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans is the worst possible environment for a rotational wideout; the Texans allow the fewest passing yards per game and rank second in completion percentage allowed. With Herbert expected to be under heavy pressure, targets will likely be concentrated among the primary starters or dumped off to running backs. Harris lacks the volume and matchup appeal to be a viable fantasy starter. He is a low-end WR5 and should stay on benches.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston reminded fantasy managers of his "boom" potential last week, erupting for 104 yards and a touchdown against the league's worst pass defense. However, his historical consistency remains an issue, and the pendulum swings back toward "bust" territory against the Houston Texans. The Texans are a defensive juggernaut, ranking first in EPA/Pass and second in pressure rate. While Johnston has overcome his groin injury, he now faces a secondary that excels at erasing deep threats and minimizing yards after the catch. In a game where
Justin Herbert will likely be under constant duress, Johnston's high-variance profile makes him an extremely dangerous start in championship week. Unless you are chasing a miracle, the risk outweighs the reward. He is a touchdown-reliant, low-end WR4.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen remains a steady veteran presence, but his fantasy upside is evaporating at the worst possible time. Last week, Allen caught all five of his targets, yet his 47% snap share underscores a concerning trend as he continues to split routes with rookie Tre' Harris. This week's matchup against the Houston Texans is the toughest possible test, as the Texans rank second in completion percentage allowed and third in interception rate. With Houston allowing the fewest passing yards per game and consistently pressuring the quarterback, the aging veteran may struggle to find open windows in a game script expected to be a defensive slog. Fantasy managers in championship matchups should look for higher-upside alternatives. He is merely a low-end WR4/FLEX option this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey returned to the end zone last week, leading the team with six targets, but a repeat performance will be difficult on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Houston's secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, ranking first in EPA/Pass and allowing the fewest passing yards per game. While McConkey remains
Justin Herbert's primary target, the Texans' elite pass rush, which is tied for sixth in sacks, will likely force Herbert into quick, low-ADOT throws. This defensive pressure mirrors the conditions that led to McConkey's recent dud games rather than his productive outing against a porous Dallas secondary. While his target floor remains decent, the matchup significantly limits his big-play potential. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 for the fantasy finals.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back
Omarion Hampton continues to separate himself as the most dynamic option in the backfield, recording an 85-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, Hampton was far more explosive than teammate
Kimani Vidal, who is now dealing with a neck injury. Even if Vidal is active, the Chargers are likely to lean on Hampton against a Houston Texans defense that is more vulnerable on the ground than through the air. Houston ranks fifth in fewest rushing yards allowed, but has shown cracks against physical, efficient runners recently. With the Chargers needing to protect
Justin Herbert from Houston's fierce pass rush, a heavy dose of Hampton is expected. He is a high-end RB2/FLEX option for championship week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
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