Chargers Fantasy Preview: Austin Ekeler could break records
In the final game of the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2019 campaign, the team looks to play spoiler against the Kansas City Chiefs while they jockey for playoff position.
With some fantasy leagues still deciding a champion, which Chargers can you turn to in Week 17?
The wheels have come off of the Chargers this year, mostly following the blowout loss vs. Minnesota, but the team was generally more competitive vs. Oakland. The team will be coming out with effort in Week 17, as jobs may be on the line for next year. Plus, playing spoiler to the Chiefs can always be fun.
Some Chargers are on pace to potentially hit some career bests and records. Austin Ekeler can hit 1,000 receiving yards with just 50 more yards. In addition, he can actually break Marshall Faulk‘s single-season receiving yards by a running back with 99 more. Mike Williams can hit 1,000 yards for the first time in his career if he gets just 37 more. Who are some of the likeliest to go off this week? Let’s get into this Week 17 fantasy preview.
The passing game
Arrowhead against the Chiefs isn’t exactly a spot Philip Rivers has thrived in this decade. Even when the Chargers finally snapped the streak of losses to the Chiefs last year, Rivers struggled with two interceptions and a lower passer rating. Rivers at this point in fantasy is inconsistent. He might throw zero interceptions, or he’ll throw three and lose a fumble.
With so much potentially at stake in Week 17 with championships, it’s just hard to recommend starting Rivers, given his history in Kansas City and his overall spottiness in 2019. There are better options out there at quarterback. If you’re in a really deep league, a flyer on him isn’t the worst idea, but try to stay away in most leagues.
The defense
This may come as a shocker, but fantasy defenses should probably be avoided if they’ve given up 63 points within the last two weeks.
If the Chargers were playing a less offensively powered team, bounce back potential might be different, given that there are players on the defense playing for spots in 2020. But, the scorching hot Chiefs at Arrowhead simply isn’t that kind of week.
Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram could get some sacks, but it’s a pointless endeavor if the Chiefs are still hanging 24 or more on this team at the very least.