Chargers Fantasy Preview: Philip Rivers rebounds for a big game vs. Houston

With the Chargers having a down week scoring-wise vs. Detroit, most fantasy options disappointed. But there’s a big rebound game coming up vs. Houston in Week 3.

In most leagues, Chargers players were amiss in Week 2 due to a low scoring output and a gritty defensive performance from Detroit. Playing Houston though, the team should be in for a rebound game at home for some key performers, like Philip Rivers and Austin Ekeler. Let’s get into this Week 3 fantasy preview.

The Running Game

Ekeler has been the best option on the Chargers for fantasy players. Even on a down week for the team vs. Detroit, he still got the team’s lone touchdown and put up a good week on the ground. Ekeler and teammate Justin Jackson ripped off long runs for touchdowns that got called back by two penalties.

Houston’s defense makes Ekeler a must start this week if you have him. They’ve allowed 125.5 yards on average through the first two games. Jackson is as always a touchdown-dependent flex option with how the carries are currently being distributed. It’s possible the Texans’ run defense improves, but a tough game on the road with how Ekeler’s been running seems like too tough of a task. Expect the number of fumbles on the 1-yard line to *hopefully* be zero.

The Defense

The Chargers’ defense is a must-start in most leagues, especially deeper ones. Deshaun Watson is getting battered behind an offensive line that clearly still needs some more time to play together.

Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa are getting sacks this week, after being shutout in that department against the Lions. With the sacks the defense will get as well as their ability to keep it a relatively low score, start them against Houston.