Fantasy Football: San Diego Chargers edition

We got two big weeks ahead of us. It’s fantasy football season kids! You are going to have tons and tons of opportunities to draft your favorite wide receivers, your sleepers, and your super sleepers. And when a player slips in your fantasy draft, who’s going to be there to catch them? That’s right, you are! So grab that net and catch that beautiful butterfly, pal! What do you like better, Christmas or fantasy season?

I am sorry, I was just watching Wedding Crashers and realized that I have my fantasy football draft this week. Fantasy Football is where a man can prove how much more of a man he is than others merely by the knowledge he possesses about football. So in order to help our fellow readers, Bolt Beat will go over how you can use some San Diego Chargers to achieve fantasy football immortality.

PHILIP RIVERS

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers is a top-12 fantasy football quarterback this year. The Chargers have a favorable passing schedule as they face nine teams this year that are susceptible against the pass. However, buyer beware, Rivers always starts off strong early in the year and tends to fade towards the end. A great strategy for Rivers would be to draft Tom Brady at his discounted price and then select the Chargers QB late in the draft to cover Brady’s suspension. Tom Brady is suspended for the first four games of the year and Rivers would be an ideal fantasy starter during those games. The Chargers play at Kansas City, home versus Jacksonville, at Indianapolis and home against New Orleans during this four-game stretch.

MELVIN GORDON

Melvin Gordon has already twice as many touchdowns this preseason than he did all of last year.

Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) carries the ball away from Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports

The sophmore running back seems to be flourishing in Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. He has been showing patience and improved vision. Melvin Gordon’s average draft position is around late 5th, early 6th round. Currently he is being drafted as the 24th running back and would be a great  back to have in a 0 RB strategy where players target wide receivers heavily for the first four rounds. Brandon Oliver’s injury during the Chargers preseason game against the Vikings was a horrible blow for San Diego. But on the flip side, it does elevate Gordon’s fantasy stock as he will be the beneficiary of even more carries now.

DANNY WOODHEAD

Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) is tackled by Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

With Brandon Oliver out for the year, look for Danny Woodhead to receive more carries this year. Woodhead is not only a fan favorite, but he is also a stud running back in PPR formats. What is also encouraging, Woodhead seems to be Whisenhunt’s choice at running back in the red zone and goal line situations.

KEENAN ALLEN

Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) hauls in a 28-yard touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Qualcomm Stadium. Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) tries to defend. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Keenan Allen has become Philip Rivers’ go-to receiver. Last year, Allen was on pace for 134 receptions, 1,450 yards, and 8 touchdowns before he went down with a lacerated kidney. Offensive coordinator Whisenhunt even went out of his way to say that Allen is going to be a big focal point for the Chargers offense this year. This is why Allen is easily a top-10 wide receiver, especially in PPR scoring systems. In 2016, Allen faces some weak secondaries such as the Jags, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Titans, Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Browns.

ANTONIO GATES

A wise move would be to wait on tight ends this year if you don’t select Gronk. Antonio Gates has

Oct 12, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs after making a fourth quarter catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

been under the radar in fantasy drafts this year mainly because of his advanced age. However, Gates needs 8 touchdowns to pass Tony Gonzalez for sixth all-time and first among tight ends. Rivers stated in an interview that he would love to get Gates the record this year and Gates is a red zone threat. One strategy I have noticed is players who draft Tyler Eifert, also draft Gates until Eifert becomes fully healthy. Either way, it is easy to see Gates racking up 8 touchdowns this year to help the Chargers and fantasy owners.

THE BEST OF THE REST

The newly acquired Travis Benjamin is the speedster that the Chargers have sorely missed. It is not far fetched to see Benjamin put up similar numbers to what Eddie Royal did when he was with San Diego. Draft Benjamin as a wide receiver 5 with 4 upside. There is one player that only Charger fans will most likely know, Tyrell Williams. At 6’3, 204 lbs, and elite speed (ran the forty in 4.42), this second-year pro from Western Oregon is a super sleeper. He has been dominating in camp this summer and has all the tools to become the Malcolm Floyd/ Vincent Jackson of the Chargers offense.  Draft him real late and stash him on the bench in case of injuries to the other Chargers wide receivers. He could blossom late in the year like Allen did in his rookie year.