Chargers fantasy preview: Passing and receiving
The passing game
Philip Rivers had a rough week to say the least vs. Denver. Rivers threw for no touchdowns in addition to a season-low in yards with 211. The two picks he threw were also not optimal.
Rivers isn’t repeating a performance that abysmal two weeks in a row. The Steelers have a decent passing defense, but it certainly isn’t at the level of the Broncos. Their rushing defense being sub-par also opens the door for Rivers in the passing game if they can get Gordon or Ekeler going.
Rivers very rarely has had two bad games in a row in his career and there’s not much reason to see that happening vs. Pittsburgh’s defense. This feels like a bounce-back game for Rivers, especially playing at home as opposed to Heinz Field. If your team has someone like Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, or Deshaun Watson, start those guys instead 100 percent. But for most players, Rivers will put up great numbers vs. Pittsburgh.
The receiving game
All of the Chargers receivers struggled last week. Some dropped balls, while Allen simply wasn’t targeted very much. Allen is poised to have a big game this week in the slot. The Steelers are giving up the most fantasy points and most yards per game to slot receivers in 2019. Chargers fans remember the performance Allen put up last year vs. a similar Steelers defense. At this point, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t get 100+ yards and a touchdown.
As for the other receivers, it’s a bit up in the air. Mike Williams looks like a decent flex option after his game last week where he came up with some good catches, but he’s inconsistent in fantasy from week to week and is dealing with some type of back injury that reared its head again vs. Denver.
Ekeler may end up being the Chargers’ second or third leading pass catcher with how much Rivers seems to love throwing to him. Other than Allen as the No. 1 wide receiver and Williams as a potential flex, there’s not really anything worth starting in the receiver group.