2016 Fantasy Football Preview: San Diego Chargers

2015 Fantasy Recap

After a 4-12 season, there isn’t much good to talk about with the Chargers.  This was the worst year in since 2003.  However, they are much better then what the record might suggest.  With plenty of injuries on the offensive line and a poor showing in the running game, QB Phillip Rivers was a bright spot.  Looking at just his numbers, you wouldn’t imagine the team doing so poorly.  With a solid core of receivers making big plays, Rivers had plenty of options to throw to.  This even included number 2 or 3 on the depth charts  The defense showed great promise towards the end of the second half, and could be set to do well.

Key Additions and Losses

Additions:

• Joey Bosa
• Travis Benjamin

Losses:

• Eric Weedle
• Malcom Floyd

QuarterBack Fantasy Outlook

Phillip Rivers overall had a good season from a fantasy point of view, even if it wasn’t a good showing week to week.  With 29 touchdowns and a career low tying 9 interceptions, Rivers still has a lot of promise with the right receivers and offensive line.  Due to a lacking run game, Rivers had to carry the team.  He threw for an impressive 4792 yards.  He also had a career and league high with 661 attempts and 437 completions.  This is amazing, and solid news for the receivers and tight ends that are targeted by him.  With some good upgrades to the offensive line, Rivers should only get better.

 

 

 

 

Grade: A

 Running Back Fantasy Outlook

RB Melvin Gordon came in as a rookie with high hopes.  However, with a horrible offensive line and an injury to end his season, he did not live up to it.  With only 641 yards and no touchdowns, he was not an RB you wanted on your team.  Add on to the fact that he lost the ball 5 times and was benched in 2 games for RB Danny Woodhead, I would be weary of him for 2016.  Even with a better line, his ball control issues are worrisome.  However, if he can improve on that, I think he could eventually be a top 10 RB.  Woodhead managed to rush for 336 yards and 3 td’s.  While Woodhead didn’t perform as well as a RB he had a great showing as a receiver.

Grade:  F

Wide Receiver Fantasy Outlook

Normally we would expect a wide receiver to be the top target.  However, WR Keenan Allen was out performed by RB Woodhead.  Woodhead led the team with 755 yards and 6 more touchdowns.  Combine his rushing yards, he came near 1000 yards and a total of 9 TDs.  In any format, this is a guy you want on your team.  Allen came in at 725 yards and 4 TDs.  With a new contract extension keeping him there, Allen looks to continue to be a top target of Rivers.  Along with WR Stevie Johnson, Dontrelle Inman and the now retired Malcom Floyd, the passing game was full of dangerous receivers who all were relevant in the passing game.  Add in WR Travis Benjamin coming of a career high with the browns to replace Floyd, and Rivers has plenty of weapons.  With the passing game being a major part of the Charger’s plan, look for both Allen and Benjamin to keep putting up huge numbers.

 

 

Grade:  A+

 

Tight End Fantasy Outlook

Antonio Gates has been the number one tight end for the chargers since he arrived in 2003.  With the Chargers experiencing a prolific passing game last year, Gates numbers were cut into a little bit.  Even so, he put up 630 yards for 5 touchdowns.  That puts him 3rd overall for yards and 2nd overall for receiving touchdowns.  A big power player that remains hard to cover, Gates hasn’t slowed down entering his 14th season.  He is still worthy of being a top 10 pick for your team.

 

 

 

 

Grade:  B

Defensive Fantasy Outlook

The Chargers defense showed flashes of promise through out the season, but couldn’t remain consistent enough.  During the second half of the season, they almost got there.  Led in tackles by Manti Te’o at 83 with 1 interception, they can stop the run when needed.  Melvin Ingram had 10.5 sacks for 75 yards lost on the season.  Add in Jason Verrett leading with 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown, there is a lot to look for on the defensive side of the ball.  They had a total of 11 interceptions and 9 recovered fumbles.  Add in 1st round pick DE Joey Bosa, the defense looks to be a dominate force if they can become consistent, game in and game out.

 

 

 

Grade:B-

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