Fantasy Football News & Views
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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Chargers | Hunter Henry not expecting long-term deal Fri Jul 10, 09:55 PM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry signed his $10.6 million franchise tender this spring, but he remains pessimistic about agreeing to a contract extension with the team less than five days before the July 15 deadline.
Link to storyHunter Henry player page
Chargers | Austin Ekeler gets top receiving grade Tue Jul 7, 06:45 PM
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler's receiving grade of 94.2 over the last three seasons ranks No. 1 among all running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Ekeler is one of the league's best weapons, especially when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield. With Melvin Gordon (Broncos) moving on in free agency, the Chargers backfield belongs to Ekeler. He's been the lead back before (when Gordon was banged up), averaging 99 yards from scrimmage and scoring 7 times over 7 games in the lead role. Ekeler is a low-end RB1 for Fantasy GMs with a current ADP of RB12 (2.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Chargers | Mike Williams excels in small windows Tue Jul 7, 04:08 PM
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams ranked second in yards while catching 47 percent of tight-window throws sent in his direction in 2019.
| Footballguys view: Williams knows how to use his large frame to keep smaller defenders away from the ball. He also has long arms and strong hands to reach out and snare passes that others might let get through their grasp. Williams should be a favorite target of Tyrod Taylor (or Justin Herbert) in 2020. |
Mike Williams player page
Chargers | Malik Jefferson to work inside Wed Jul 1, 07:46 PM
Los Angeles Chargers LB Malik Jefferson will be used primarily at middle inside linebacker, according to head coach Anthony Lynn.
Link to story Chargers | Several options for LT job Sun Jun 21, 02:46 PM
Los Angeles Chargers OT Sam Tevi, OT Trey Pipkins, OT Storm Norton and OG Forrest Lamp are expected to be candidates for the starting left tackle job during training camp.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers traded away Russell Okung for Trai Turner in the offseason to bolster the running back, but the tackles are still in a bad way and the team chose to take Justin Herbert over an instant starter at tackle, then traded their second and third to get back in the first for a linebacker, Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma. |
Chargers | No workout with Colin Kaepernick yet Wed Jun 17, 07:50 PM
Updating a previous report, free-agent QB Colin Kaepernick (49ers) is not scheduled to work out for the Los Angeles Chargers at this point, according to head coach Anthony Lynn. Lynn said the team has not been in contact with Kaepernick.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers head coach did admit that Kaepernick would be a great fit for what they do. However, they already have veteran Tyrod Taylor who could be the starter while rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert develops. |
Colin Kaepernick player page
Chargers | Colin Kaepernick a standby option for LAC? Wed Jun 17, 01:13 PM
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn told reporters he is happy with the team's three quarterbacks when asked about possibly signing free-agent QB Colin Kaepernick. 'Definitely fits the style of quarterback for the system we're going to be running,' Lynn said. Kaepernick and Lynn haven't spoken, but the quarterback appears to be on the team's emergency list, in the opinion of NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers have Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback...at least he should be able to hold off 2020 first-round pick Justin Herbert in training camp. The offense is going to feature bootlegs and rollouts which Kaepernick ran in the offense with the 49ers years ago. The Chargers are a team who could make the postseason and turn some heads in the playoffs. |
Colin Kaepernick player page
Chargers | Derwin James open to moving around Mon Jun 15, 04:13 PM
Los Angeles Chargers S Derwin James said he is open to moving around to different defensive positions this upcoming season. 'I'm comfortable at linebacker, comfortable in the slot, comfortable man everywhere on that field,' James said. 'So it don't really matter to me.'
Link to storyDerwin James player page
Chargers | Desmond King may receive bigger role Mon Jun 15, 04:12 PM
Los Angeles Chargers S Desmond King could be used at multiple positions this upcoming season, according to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Link to storyDesmond King player page
Chargers | Five to compete for No. 3 WR job Wed Jun 10, 07:10 PM
Los Angeles Chargers WRs K.J. Hill, Andre Patton, Jason Moore, Darius Jennings and Joe Reed will compete for the No. 3 wide receiver job during training camp.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers are set with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams at the top of the depth chart. The battle for the pecking order behind them will take place in training camp. Reed is a player with a ton of speed and is a rookie to keep an eye on in deep dynasty formats. |
Darius Jennings player page
Chargers | Alohi Gilman may make roster Mon Jun 8, 06:32 PM
Los Angeles Chargers S Alohi Gilman has a decent chance to make the final roster, but he likely will only be used on special teams.
Link to story Chargers | Roderic Teamer likely to make team Mon Jun 8, 06:27 PM
Los Angeles Chargers S Roderic Teamer should be able to make the final roster, in the opinion of ChargersWire's Gavino Borquez. He likely will primarily be used on special teams but could also be used in the dime package.
Link to story Chargers | Mike Davis to be pushed for job Sun Jun 7, 01:56 PM
Los Angeles Chargers CB Mike A. Davis is expected to be pushed by CB Brandon Facyson for one of the starting cornerback jobs during training camp.
| Footballguys view: Facyson was an easy target for opposing quarterbacks last year, so if he can beat out Davis, that's probably a bad thing for Chargers. |
Chargers | Chris Harris expected to be slot CB Sun Jun 7, 01:43 PM
Los Angeles Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr. is expected to be used primarily as the slot cornerback this upcoming season even though can play outside cornerback and safety as well.
| Footballguys view: Desmond King was previously in the slot for the Chargers and he played well, so there could be a trade market there since the Chargers like their starters outside, Casey Hayward and Michael Davis. |
Chris Harris Jr player page
Chargers | Nick Vigil may be used in coverage Thu Jun 4, 05:37 PM
Los Angeles Chargers LB Nick Vigil may be on the field for obvious passing downs this upcoming season because he has played well in coverage during his career.
Link to storyNick Vigil player page
Chargers | Darius Jennings may be returner Thu Jun 4, 05:36 PM
Los Angeles Chargers WR Darius Jennings is expected to compete for the kick returner job during training camp.
Link to storyDarius Jennings player page
Chargers | Justin Herbert will compete Thu Jun 4, 10:27 AM
Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick QB Justin Herbert is expected to compete for the starting job with QB Tyrod Taylor, according to quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton.
| Footballguys view: Herbert is the quarterback of the future but he may have to wait for his chance to start. Taylor is a seasoned veteran quarterback and the team can win a lot of games with him as the starter. We'll see if Herbert can unseat the veteran in training camp and the preseason. |
Chargers | Damion Square officially back with Bolts Tue Jun 2, 05:45 PM
Updating a previous story, free-agent DT Damion Square (Chargers) officially signed an undisclosed deal with the Los Angeles Chargers Tuesday, June 2.
Link to storyDamion Square player page
Chargers | Damion Square returning to LAC Mon Jun 1, 06:42 PM
Free-agent DT Damion Square (Chargers) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers Monday, June 1, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyDamion Square player page
Chargers | Joe Reed likely to be a gadget Thu May 28, 09:14 AM
Los Angeles Chargers fifth-round pick WR Joe Reed is expected to be used as a gadget player lining up in the slot, out wide and in the backfield. Reed forced 15 missed tackles on 77 receptions last year at Virginia, per Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Watching Reed in college at Virginia was fun. At 225 pounds, Reed plays like a smaller man with quickness and explosion that make him a playmaker on the football field. He played 405 snaps out of the slot in 2019 and 193 snaps out wide. Reed has speed and can be moved around the formation but he is far from polished as a route runner. We'll monitor him in dynasty formats. |
Chargers | Chris Harris learning multiple positions Wed May 27, 07:34 PM
Los Angeles Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr. said he has been learning both the outside cornerback spot as well as the nickel back position during offseason meetings.
Link to storyChris Harris Jr player page
Chargers | Hunter Henry still hoping for extension Sun May 24, 10:16 AM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry said that he is 'fine' playing under the franchise tag for the 2020 season, although he would still like to agree to a long-term contract extension with the team. Henry said that contract talks have already taken place, although there have been no recent discussions.
| Footballguys view: Henry has signed his tender, so he's under a one-year, $10.6 million contract for the 2020 season. He's incredibly talented but has trouble staying healthy. We'll see how his injury history plays into contract negotiations. The NFL deadline for players with franchise tags to sign long-term deals is July 15. |
Hunter Henry player page
Chargers | Henry Henry among metric's elite Sat May 23, 02:38 PM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry ranked seventh among all pass-catchers in 2019 with a plus-8.4 percent catch rate above expectation.
| Footballguys view: Henry is an outstanding tight end and can make plays others can't. Injuries are his only concern as a pro. If Henry is healthy, he can easily be a top-5 fantasy tight end. Henry has a current ADP of TE8 (7.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Hunter Henry player page
Chargers | Chris Harris Jr. dropping off a bit? Wed May 20, 08:50 PM
Los Angeles Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr. allowed 10.5 yards per target and a 61.7 completion percentage to receivers in his coverage as a member of the Denver Broncos in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The former mark was his highest since at least 2015 and the most surrendered by any defensive back targeted at least 60 times last season. The latter mark was a slight drop from 62.5 percent in 2018.
Link to storyChris Harris Jr player page
Chargers | Ryan Groy rejoins Chargers Wed May 20, 04:36 PM
Free-agent OG Ryan Groy (Chargers) re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers Wednesday, May 20. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Chargers | LAC considered adding Cam Newton Mon May 18, 03:11 PM
Free-agent QB Cam Newton (Panthers) was considered by the Los Angeles Chargers, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the team is confident in QBs Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers have a strong roster built on both sides of the ball, and they can win a lot of games with a quarterback like Tyrod Taylor. They'll see 2020 first-round pick Justin Herbert work as a developmental quarterback and perhaps franchise quarterback for the future. Newton is waiting for a chance with a new team but he might have to wait until someone gets hurt in camp or the preseason. |
Cam Newton player page
Chargers | Rayshawn Jenkins may be starter in 2020 Sat May 16, 07:50 PM
Los Angeles Chargers S Rayshawn Jenkins appears to be the leading candidate for the starting safety job opposite FS Derwin James, in the opinion of NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
Link to storyRayshawn Jenkins player page
Chargers | Mike Pouncey injury update Wed May 13, 02:07 PM
Los Angeles Chargers C Mike Pouncey (neck) said he has been cleared to play again after recovering from neck surgery. While still rehabbing the surgery, he is training normally and plans to be at full speed when players are allowed back on the field.
Link to story Chargers | Tyrod Taylor to start all season? Tue May 12, 03:50 PM
Los Angeles Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor will hold onto the starting job for the entirety of the 2020 season, according to Michael Silver of NFL Network Tuesday, May 12.
| Footballguys view: Taylor could certainly do just that to let 2020 first-round pick Justin Herbert develop. We've seen Taylor start plenty of games in his NFL career. He's athletic, has a strong arm and will generally be careful with the ball. With the Chargers elite defense, that type of QB style could be enough to win a lot of games. In fact, don't be surprised if the Chargers make a run at a Wild Card spot in 2020. Herbert is clearly the future, but the team would have to struggle (Taylor specifically) for them to make a change right away. |
Tyrod Taylor player page
Chargers | Austin Ekeler hard to handle last season Mon May 11, 10:46 PM
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler averaged a broken tackle on 25.8 percent of his 132 rush attempts in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The mark was the highest among all backs with at 100 carries.
| Footballguys view: Ekeler doesn't break tackles with incredible power but instead gets through tackles with a low center of gravity and leg drive. He's tough to get a handle on and you can see that on film. The advanced data backs that up obviously. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Chargers | Kenneth Murray may start as rookie Mon May 11, 06:47 PM
Los Angeles Chargers LB Kenneth Murray is expected to compete for a starting linebacker job during training camp.
Link to story Chargers | Defenses worried about Mike Williams Sun May 10, 09:44 PM
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams faced a double team on a league-high 7.8 percent of his routes in 2019.
| Footballguys view: We'll see how the Chargers get Williams away from those double teams in 2020. The Chargers didn't add much on offense in terms of wide receivers this offseason. They did draft speedy rookie Joe Reed (Virginia) and run-after-the-catch specialist K.J. Hill (Ohio State) in the fifth and seventh rounds respectively. Those two are interesting deep dynasty prospects but we don't see them taking a lot of heat off of Williams...if ever but especially early on in their careers. |
Mike Williams player page
Chargers | Kenneth Murray to pile up tackles? Fri May 8, 10:11 PM
Los Angeles Chargers LB Kenneth Murray is expected to play the same position that Washington Redskins LB Thomas Davis played for the team last year, and Thomas finished 2019 with 112 total tackles, including 65 solo stops.
Link to story Chargers | Three-man committee for Chargers in 2020? Wed May 6, 10:11 PM
Los Angeles Chargers RBs Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley are all expected to remain involved in the offense this season, according to comments made by office coordinator Shane Steichen.'All three of those guys are going to share the load. They all bring something unique,' Steichen said.
| Footballguys view: Ekeler is the main back for the Chargers even if he doesn't get the most carries. What he does as a receiver and a runner makes him a RB1 for Fantasy GMs, standard or PPR leagues. Jackson is a slashing runner who we're interested in seeing get more time. Kelley is the attacking and most punishing runner of the group. The rookie from UCLA does not avoid contact but rather invites it and dares defenders to take him on. We'll see how he fits into this rotation, perhaps working primarily on short-yardage and goal-line situations in 2020. |
Austin Ekeler player page
Justin Jackson player page
Chargers | Mike Williams looking for big 2020 season Wed May 6, 08:26 PM
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams said he is looking to post 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: Williams certainly has the talent to do just that. It will be interesting to see how the Chargers QB situation shakes out. They have seasoned veteran Tyrod Taylor as their starter but rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert is waiting in the wings. Taylor is safe with the football and may not take many chances with the ball down the field. That could negatively impact Williams' production in 2020. |
Mike Williams player page
Chargers | Derrick Gore bolsters backfield Tue May 5, 03:52 PM
Free-agent RB Derrick Gore (Redskins) signed with the Los Angeles Chargers Tuesday, May 5. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
Link to story Chargers | Hunter Henry excited for QB change Sun May 3, 10:23 PM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry said he is excited to see what a more mobile quarterback can bring to the offense. 'There are so many different things that you can do with a mobile quarterback that can open your offense,' Henry said. 'I'm looking forward to seeing that aspect of our offense grow.'
| Footballguys view: Henry and the passing game should be able to take advantage of defenses focused on stopping the run and a running quarterback. The tight end over the middle of the field will provide Tyrod Taylor with a security blanket he could use early and often. We all know Henry is supremely gifted as a tight end. He just needs to stay healthy to produce like a TE1 for Fantasy GMs in 2020. |
Hunter Henry player page
Chargers | Five UDFAs become Bolts Thu Apr 30, 06:46 PM
Undrafted free-agent RB Darius Bradwell (Tulane), WR Jeff Cotton (Idaho), RB Bobby Holly (Louisiana Tech), RB Gabe Nabers (Florida State) and WR Dalton Schoen (Kansas State) officially signed three-year contracts with the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday, April 30. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Link to story Chargers | Bolts' coach says Justin Herbert can do everything Thu Apr 30, 01:41 PM
Los Angeles Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert was selected to be the team's franchise quarterback, according to head coach Anthony Lynn. When he'll begin that journey as a starter has yet to be determined. 'I don't want to put a timetable on this young man. ... Does he need a couple of years? Does he need one year? Maybe he doesn't need any at all. I don't know,' Lynn said. 'They're [Herbert and Tyrod Taylor] going to go in and they're going to compete. The best guy is going to play.' With the COVID19 shut down, Lynn acknowledges Herbert's development may be slowed without the on-field piece. 'I don't care how smart you are, until you get in there and get those reps, especially with a new offense and maybe doing some things differently than you've done in the past, like playing underneath the center, that's going to be harder if we don't have camps,' Lynn added. Lynn noted he thinks Herbert is able to do everything, saying Herbert is mobile, fast and has a strong arm.
| Footballguys view: Herbert can do everything. He's got the build of a franchise quarterback and the arm to make all the throws required in the NFL. Herbert is risk averse and can be a bit robotic in decision making, and we'll see if he opens up a bit more in the pros. |
Chargers | Tyrod Taylor expected to be QB1 for Bolts Thu Apr 30, 12:53 PM
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn continues to emphasize confidence in veteran QB Tyrod Taylor, who is expected to earn the QB1 job for the Chargers to start the season. How long Taylor holds onto the starting role will largely be determined by the development of rookie QB Justin Herbert, a first-round selection.
| Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Taylor has plenty of starting experience and can lead a quality team towards a playoff run in 2020. Herbert needs time to develop but he is clearly the quarterback of the future. If Taylor struggles to win or gets injured, then Herbert will get thrust into the starting lineup to take over. If Taylor is winning and healthy, Herbert will just have to develop and wait his turn. |
Tyrod Taylor player page
Chargers | Mike Williams fifth-year picked up by L.A. Thu Apr 30, 12:20 PM
The Los Angeles Chargers have picked up the fifth-year option on WR Mike Williams, who is now under contract with the team through the 2021 season.
| Footballguys view: Williams set career highs in catches (49) and yards (1,001) in 2019 but his touchdowns fell off big time from 10 in 2019 to just two scores last season. We'll see how he meshes with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for the Chargers in 2020. Williams has big-play ability down the field as a deep target and could thrive when strong-armed rookie quarterback Justin Herbert takes over. |
Mike Williams player page
Chargers | Pep Hamilton back in the NFL Wed Apr 29, 10:12 PM
Former DC Defenders head coach and general manager Pep Hamilton reportedly agreed to terms to become the new quarterbacks coach of the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, April 29.
Link to story Chargers | Hunter Henry unsure about new deal Wed Apr 29, 06:43 PM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry said he is not sure how close he is to a long-term contract with the Chargers. Henry said the two sides were close earlier in the offseason, but the talks were delayed.
| Footballguys view: Henry has the franchise tag for 2020 but something can get done before the mid-July deadline. We don't expect anything to be official until that deadline, but you never know if the two sides are agreeable to a deal before then. |
Hunter Henry player page
Chargers | Five UDFAs join Chargers Sun Apr 26, 02:53 PM
Undrafted free-agent RB Darius Bradwell (Tulane), WR Jeff Cotton (Idaho), FB Bobby Holly (Louisiana Tech), FB Gabe Nabers (Florida State) and TE Jared Rice (Fresno State) agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, April 25. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Link to story Chargers | Dalton Schoen to sign with LAC Sat Apr 25, 07:19 PM
Undrafted free-agent WR Dalton Schoen (Kansas State) agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, April 25, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Chargers | Joe Reed drafted by Bolts Sat Apr 25, 02:23 PM
University of Virginia WR Joe Reed on Saturday, April 25, was selected in the fifth round (151st-overall pick) in the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
| Footballguys view: Reed is a slot receiver with strength. He's not a threat deep and he has a tendency to find soft spots more than attack a defense. |
Chargers | Kenneth Murray selected 23rd overall Thu Apr 23, 11:03 PM
Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday, April 23, with the 23rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Link to story Chargers | Justin Herbert lands in lap of Bolts Thu Apr 23, 09:03 PM
Oregon QB Justin Herbert was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday, April 23, with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
| Footballguys view: The Chargers have their quarterback of the future. Herbert reminds some in the scouting community of Titans QB Ryan Tannehill because of his size and athleticism. He's a bit robotic as a decision maker and may sit behind Tyrod Taylor for some time as a rookie. |
Chargers | Two re-sign with Bolts Tue Apr 21, 05:06 PM
Los Angeles Chargers DE Isaac Rochell and OT Trent Scott signed their exclusive rights free-agent tenders Tuesday, April 21.
Link to story Chargers | Coach has confidence in Tyrod Taylor Mon Apr 20, 03:16 PM
Los Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor is not considered a bridge quarterback by head coach Anthony Lynn, and Lynn believes Taylor can be a good NFL starting quarterback.
| Footballguys view: Taylor has already been a starter in the league and he's solid in that role. He's safe with the ball, sometimes to a fault but Taylor is not going to steer things off track as the starter. Some think the Chargers will draft a quarterback like Justin Herbert (Oregon) in the first round, but they could wait until the second round to get someone like Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma). |
Tyrod Taylor player page
