Assessing Chargers players for Week 12 in Fantasy Football

After steamrolling the struggling Buffalo Bills, the Bolts look to take advantage of a similarly ailing Dallas Cowboys team. As the Bolts first game on Thanksgiving since before the merger, this will likely be the most watched Chargers game in recent history.

The Chargers’ defense racked up an incredible five interceptions in the first half against Nathan Peterman’s Bills, and they had two defensive touchdowns on the day. Edge rusher Joey Bosa was all over the field, with his hits on the quarterbacks being the cause of multiple turnovers. Without Ezekiel Elliot, Sean Lee and Tyron Smith out, Dak Prescott’s Cowboys have really struggled recently, so it seems as if the Bolts are meeting them at the right time.

In fantasy football, the Chargers had a phenomenal day against the Bills, and some players really stood out. Let’s look at some of the significant performances from last week.

Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers, who had some struggles against Jacksonville last week, had a very good week against the Bills. With 251 yards passing and two touchdowns, Rivers was at the top of his game last week.

The reemergence of Keenan Allen and a rejuvenated offensive line has helped Rivers play to his potential, and his matchup against a struggling Cowboys defense makes him a strong QB1.

Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler, who has had multiple strong weeks in a row, seems to have carved out a bigger role in the offense for himself. Although the majority of his touches came in garbage time, Ekeler has proven to be a valuable change-of-pace back as well.

While Ekeler is still not consistent enough to be considered starting material, his flex validity is increasing. Unless you are in a very desperate situation, playing Ekeler in your flex is a bit of a risk.

Start or Sit?

Here are the players previously mentioned along with some who were not, with the parentheses indicating the tier of each player in fantasy terms and my projection for them this week.

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• Philip Rivers – Start (QB1) – My Projection: 18 points (Standard)
• Melvin Gordon – Start (RB1) – My Projection: 12 points (Standard), 13 points (PPR)
• Keenan Allen – Start (WR1/WR2) – My Projection: 10 points (Standard), 14 points (PPR)
• Tyrell Williams – Bench (WR3/WR4) – My Projection: 3 points (Standard), 5 points (PPR)
• Hunter Henry – Bench (TE1/TE2) – My Projection: 3 points (Standard), 6 points (PPR)
• Travis Benjamin* – Bench (WR3/WR4) – My Projection: 2 points (Standard), 3 points (PPR)
• Antonio Gates – Bench (TE2) – My Projection: 1 point (Standard), 2 points (PPR)
• Austin Ekeler – Bench (RB3) – My Projection: 4 points (Standard), 6 points (PPR)
• Branden Oliver – Bench (RB4) – My Projection: 0 points (Standard), 0 points (PPR)
• Mike Williams* – Bench (WR3/WR4) – My Projection: 3 points (Standard), 5 points (PPR)

Note: Asterisk (*) indicates possibility of player missing game due to injury.

What are you expecting out of the Bolts this week in fantasy? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.