I just finished reading Mike’s 2024 AFC West preview, and in short, we’re pretty much on the same page with respect to the Chargers. It’s important to remember that this team was 5-12 last year. While I am quite familiar with new HC Jim Harbaugh’s reputation, I’m also familiar with the fact that some of the Chargers’ playmakers, including RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams and TE Gerald Everett, are gone. What remains are a great quarterback in QB Justin Herbert, who might be throwing less, and a largely new cast of players, and many remaining question marks. I think the short of it is that you probably shouldn’t be selecting many, if any, Chargers in the first several rounds of your fantasy draft. That said, we may be pleasantly surprised, but it’s a watch and learn situation for sure. Here’s where things stand, as of this writing.

QB: There’s no question that QB is a terrific quarterback. The problems are two-fold. Firstly, Harbaugh’s teams tend to be run first offenses. Secondly, in my view, his receivers in 2024 are inferior to the wideouts that he had last year. Because of this, I’d view him as a strong QB2 for now, but it’s possible that he will become a QB1. There’s no doubt that he has the talent to be a QB1, but my concerns surround the quality of his receivers, coupled with a potentially run first offense.

RB: I like RB Gus Edwards, but he looks like a RB2 for now. RB J.K. Dobbins can be explosive, but how many looks will he get, and can he stay healthy? RB3 or FLEX for now. RB Kimani Vidal looks promising, but it’s too soon to know what his role will be. Consider him a later round draft & stash.

WR: I mentioned that the Chargers’ top receivers are gone. It appears that WR Josh Palmer is the team’s new #1, & while Palmer is good, he’s not as good as the guys who left. WR3 for now. The same can be said for WR D.J. Chark. He’s a legit deep threat, but he’s often injured and has been mostly in decline for a few years, so WR3 or FLEX. WR Quentin Johnston started off cold and improved last season, but I’m still not sold. I’m not excited by any of these guys.

TE: You have a 3-headed monster of mediocrity at tight end. TE Hayden Hurst, TE Donald Parham, Jr. and TE Will Dissly. Opportunities will be shared, and I wouldn’t draft any of them.

PK: Returning is PK Cameron Dicker, who should post average numbers.

DEF: I’m also not sold on the Chargers defense. DE Joey Bosa is injured a lot. DE Khalil Mack is solid, but he’s also 33, which is old for a speed rusher by NFL standards. Some interesting draft picks, but not a lot of depth to the Chargers D. When was the last time you could recall a superior Chargers defense? 10 years? More? You get my drift. Good luck in your fantasy drafts!

End.