The 2023 Chargers team is full of Fantasy Football talent, including the top scorer for a non-quarterback last season, Austin Ekeler.
The Chargers made major changes to their roster and coaching on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. The addition of multiple rookie wide receivers as well as a new offensive coordinator should allow the Bolts’ players to boom in 2023.
The Chargers’ 2022 season was filled with talent. However, it was riddled with injuries that drove many fantasy managers mad. Most notably to Keenan Allen.
Allen was a top 30 pick in most PPR leagues as he is a reception stud, reaching at least 97 receptions and 136 targets from 2017-2021. While last season wasn’t ideal for the health of Allen, he still managed 752 yards and 4 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he ended up as the 42nd top scoring wide receiver in PPR leagues, which is not the production expected for a 3rd round fantasy pick.
Allen’s receiving mate, Mike Williams, had a similar 2022 experience. Williams spent most of the season battling through injuries, leading to a dip in production. Despite this, Williams finished as the 32nd PPR wide receiver last season. He did not live up to the high expectations, but Williams was a later pick who had some explosive games.
For Williams and Allen to have success, Herbert has to as well. Herbert was going in the first few rounds of many leagues, which gave very high expectations for fantasy managers. Herbert finished as the 11th-most-scoring fantasy quarterback last season. This was not to the level expected, however, Herbert showed he can play in all situations. Many fantasy managers might fear taking him as early as last season, but a major change in the organization points to Herbert having his best season as a pro.
There are two major reasons why the Chargers’ offense is going to be significantly better than last season. Much of the core is retiring from last season, with the addition of some new pieces that should take them to the next level.
Last season, the Chargers ranked 28th in points per game after the 1st half. Meaning if Herbert had 15 fantasy points by halftime, he was most likely finishing with around 20 points as the offense would stall.
The Dallas Cowboys under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore last season ranked 1st in second-half points per game. This should have a dramatic effect on the aggressiveness of the offense in the second half. Moore is a big plus for the fantasy value of all Chargers players, but the next factor has big pros and cons.
The Chargers selected Quentin Johnston in the 1st round of this year’s draft. They also selected one of the fastest players in the drag in the 4th round, Derius Davis. Johnston is expected to start alongside Williams and Allen, leading to a reduced role for Joshua Palmer.
Palmer exceeded the expectations of many as he finished the 37th top-scoring receiver, including a 30-point performance. He was by no means a top receiver, but as a bench player, he gave great value.
Ekeler is going 1st overall in most leagues as of now. The offense of the Chargers is only getting better, which should help Ekeler get even more touchdowns than last season.
The only concern is that he clearly doesn’t want to play with the Chargers. If he is not giving it his all, his production could significantly dip. Ekeler is still deserving a top selection, just be cautious of the off-the-field drama.
Herbert received the biggest benefit this offseason of any player in the entire NFL. The summer started out with Herbert getting surgery. Now, Herbert is just about fully healed from last season.
He has a 1st round-pick wide receiver, his old weapons, and a potential speed threat that they lacked since his rookie year. Herbert was underwhelming last year, but with the new additions and coaches, Herbert should easily be a top three fantasy quarterback in 2023.
The big issue with drafting a Chargers receiver in fantasy this season is there is no clear number-one guy. There could be reduced targets for Williams and Allen with Johnston and cast on the team now.
Allen is getting older, which just raises the injury chance. He is deserving of around a 4th round pick, but only in PPR leagues as his speed may also be an issue as he may transition to entirely playing from the slot.
Williams always has health concerns. If he’s healthy, he always has the potential to have a big play or two that gives him a great fantasy performance. Williams is still deserving of a later pick, but it is best to see which Chargers receiver will get the most targets in the first few weeks.
Johnston is only a rookie, but many rookies have shined in fantasy football not too long ago. Johnston may not be to the level of Jamar Chase or Justin Jefferson, but he is in a great system with a great quarterback. The upside of Johnston is so high, he is worth a late round pick in most leagues.
The Chargers’ offense from 2022 to today should be “night and day” with the improvements made this offseason.
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Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com
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