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Chargers Fantasy Preview: Melvin Gordon is a flex option vs. Miami

By Alexander Insdorf

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Mike Hull #45 of the Miami Dolphins chases Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of a game at StubHub Center on September 17, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Mike Hull #45 of the Miami Dolphins chases Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of a game at StubHub Center on September 17, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs for a 66-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs for a 66-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Chargers fantasy preview: Passing and running

The Passing Game

Rivers bounced back against the Houston Texans and got back to scoring over 20 fantasy points after struggling in Week 2. Getting to play the Dolphins’ defense may be his reward for that. The Dolphins have given up 240 yards and two passing touchdowns to every quarterback they’ve played so far.

Dak Prescott, Tom Brady, and especially Lamar Jackson‘s performances against them show how easy it’s going to be for opposing quarterbacks this year.

Rivers will probably wind up around three to four touchdowns as well as 300 yards in the air. Those are both very realistic numbers against this tanking squad. Unless you also have Patrick Mahomes or Russell Wilson on your team, Rivers is the easiest starting decision you can possibly make.

The Running Game

The running backs are probably the most complicated part of fantasy this week. Earlier this week, it felt like it would be the same Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson combination we had become accustomed to this season.

A small wrench got thrown into those plans when Gordon announced he was returning from his holdout, and then an even bigger wrench got thrown in when it was reported Jackson is dealing with a calf strain. Anthony Lynn said earlier in the week that Gordon was unlikely to play Week 4 and has since reversed course.

The safest option is probably Ekeler as the first running back slot and Gordon at the flex. That’s how it’s trending for now. However, if you have Gordon and your running back depth has been thinned due to injury or poor performance, it may not be a terrible idea to start him since he’s going to have an increased role compared to what his status was earlier in the week

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