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Chargers Fantasy Preview: Austin Ekeler a must start vs. Denver

By Alexander Insdorf

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown making a 14-0 lead during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown making a 14-0 lead during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 29: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during pregame before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 29: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during pregame before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Chargers Fantasy Preview: Passing and running

The Passing Game

Other than the game vs. Detroit, Philip Rivers has been a pretty perfect start to every week. Denver has a terrible run defense, but they’re pretty potent when it comes to pass defense. Fifth in the league, the Broncos are allowing 200 pass yards on average. It’s also worth pointing out that in recent seasons, Rivers has been pretty mediocre vs. Denver. Last year in two games combined, he threw for three touchdowns and four interceptions.

If you’re in a deeper league, you probably don’t have a better option than Rivers, so it makes sense to go with him. But in an eight or 10-team league, you may want to examine what’s available with convenient quarterback matchups. With his recent history vs. Denver and their terrible run defense, it really depends on what’s available.

The running game

While Melvin Gordon returned to the Chargers last week, Ekeler rolled on as Gordon was only to be used in an emergency situation vs. Miami. Now? Things are a bit more interesting for fantasy owners. It’s clear Gordon will take some snaps this week. How many snaps seems to be open to the interpretation of the team’s comments on the situation.

Anthony Lynn has been quoted as saying that Gordon will play “a role” and “not too much”. Gordon has been quoted as saying he expects to “flip-flop” with Ekeler throughout the game, meaning it would be a more 50/50 split. With all the uncertainty with Gordon, Ekeler is a must-start. Owners can try putting Gordon in the flex, but it’s certainly a risk.

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