The 2-2 LA Chargers are fresh off a bye week, although QB Justin Herbert and RB Gus Edwards are both questionable for Sunday’s trip to the 3-2 Denver Broncos. The Chargers got off to a strong start to the 2024 season, beating the Raiders and the Panthers before falling to the Steelers and Chiefs.
More of a concern was the manner of those defeats, with LA only scoring 10 points in each. Denver poses a threat with a very strong defense, so let’s take a look at the best Chargers fantasy football options in Week 6:
Chargers’ QB Fantasy Outlook (& Injury Update): Justin Herbert (Q)
Justin Herbert entered the Week 3 game against Pittsburgh with an ankle injury, and one of the toughest defenses in the NFL forced him out of the game. Herbert did play in the defeat to Kansas City but was less effective than fans hoped.
While Herbert has had a bye week, he was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The consensus is that the QB will suit up on Sunday and he told reporters (via Clutch Points):
“We’re getting better, and as long as we’re doing that we’re in the right position,” Herbert said. “It has felt better. Made it through the game, and having that bye week off has definitely helped continue to get that inflammation down.
“I wore that all week, felt comfortable, liked it. So I wore that in the game,” Herbert said about his ankle brace. “I thought it worked out pretty well… I think it’s one of those things that you’re gonna wear it until you don’t need it anymore, and I don’t envision that being this week.”
Presuming he plays, Justin Herbert feels like he should not start in fantasy football this week. An away game to Denver looks to be a tough matchup for a QB, especially one nursing an injury. Injury risk aside, this could be a low-scorer, so exploring other QB options in Week 6 makes sense.
Justin Herbert’s point range: 6-24, Prediction: 13
Chargers’ RB Fantasy Outlooks: J.K. Dobbins, & Gus Edwards (Q)
J.K. Dobbins is the RB1 on the Chargers depth chart and has looked very good in 2024. While he entered the season behind Gus Edwards, some explosive performances in the opening two weeks of the season (21.4, 19.6 [HPPR]) saw him become the RB1.
Dobbins faces a tough defense in Week 6, but Denver is 10th against RBs, allowing 20.34 fantasy points per game to the position. With Gus Edwards questionable due to an ankle injury, Dobbins is likely to see the lion’s share of carries.
This feels like a week where Dobbins has RB2/flex value, but Edwards should be kept on the bench as he has not had the endzone activity or the volume to risk starting him.
J.K. Dobbins’ point range: 6-22; Prediction: 12.5
Gus Edwards’ point range: 1-10; Prediction: 3.5
Chargers’ WR Fantasy Outlooks: Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston & Ladd McConkey
The Chargers WR room has been a tough one for fantasy managers, and at present none are safe starts against the Broncos. Denver is No. 2 against WRs in fantasy, conceding 21.16 ppg to the position.
Josh Palmer has not had the volume or the endzone activity to warrant starting him, and should be kept on your bench until that changes. Meanwhile, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are better picks but both are risky starts in Week 6.
Johnston has had more endzone activity (3 TDs) but is coming off a 1.80-point outing against Kansas City. McConkey recorded 15.20 points against the Chiefs, but his floor is dangerously low at around 3 points. If you are thinking of starting either of these, it may be better to look around as there may be free agents with friendlier matchups.
Joshua Palmer’s point range: 3-18; Prediction: 6.5
Quentin Johnston’s point range: 1-20; Prediction: 7
Ladd McConkey’s point range: 1-17; Prediction: 6
Chargers’ TE Fantasy Outlook: Will Dissly
If you are struggling at tight end, the Chargers do not appear to be the team to settle on in Week 6. Apart from the tough, potentially low-scoring matchup, Will Dissly has not had a season that suggests streaming him would be a smart move.
Having not broken 5 points (HPPR) this season, there are safer options out there.
Will Dissly’s point range: 1-8; Prediction: 4
Also read: Browns’ Week 6 Fantasy Outlooks ft. Deshaun Watson, Jerome Ford, Amari Cooper & more