In the 17th of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Los Angeles Chargers.
Key Off Season Acquisition
The Chargers’s most significant acquisition was middle linebacker Eric Kendricks of Clovis, California. On March 14, the Chargers signed him to a two-year deal worth $13.25 million. Kendricks played the last eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. In 17 games in 2022, he had 137 combined tackles (87 solo tackles and 50 assisted tackles), eight tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits, six pass deflections, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and one sack.
The fumble recovery for a touchdown came in a 33-30 Vikings win over the Buffalo Bills on November 13. The sack meanwhile came in the greatest comeback in NFL history, a 39-36 Vikings win over the Indianapolis Colts on December 17. This was a game the Colts once led 33-0.
Fantasy Stars
Justin Herbert of Eugene, Oregon is eighth among NFL quarterbacks. Last season he had 477 completions in 699 attempts for 4739 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Herbert also had 54 rushes for 147 rushing yards.
Austin Ekeler of Lincoln, Nebraska is fourth among NFL running backs. Last season he had 204 rushes for 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Ekeler also had a career high 107 catches for 722 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. For the second straight season, he led the NFL with rushing and receiving touchdowns (18), after having 20 in 2021.
Projected Finish
The Chargers are clearly the second best team in the AFC West. They are behind the Kansas City Chiefs, but well ahead the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
