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The Chargers had mixed results in 2025. The team finished with 11 wins and made the playoffs. On the flip side the team battled injuries from the jump, which limited the ceiling. The offensive line took the brunt of it, which limited some of the effectiveness of the offense. That combined with injuries to Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton led to a struggling run game. The Chargers are hoping for better health and an offensive boost in 2026. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Chargers didn’t bring back veterans Harris, coming off an Achilles injury, or Keenan Allen, who was their leading receiver. The team also lost some of its depth, including tight end Tyler Conklin and a few offensive lineman. On defense, the team lost Odafe Oweh. But the team looked to give itself a boost with the addition of former Dolphins’ Head Coach Mike McDaniel to run the offense.

The Chargers didn’t add a lot of marquee players in the off-season but added plenty of depth. The team added Keaton Mitchell to the backfield to join second-year man Hampton and Kimani Vidal. The team also added to its tight end room, bringing in veteran free agents Charlie Kolar from Baltimore and David Njoku from the Browns. Those tight ends add to second-year man Oronde Gadsen II, who had a breakout in 2025. They also added depth on the Offensive Line, adding guard Cole Strange to help fill the gap from departed guard Mekhi Becton.

Fantasy Impact

Despite a revolving door on the offensive line and injuries at the skill position, Justin Herbert remained steady. Herbert finished a QB10 on the season and could go even higher if McDaniels adds more pop to the offense. He’s a low-end QB1 for me. In the backfield, Hampton, Vidal, and Mitchell all figure to be part of the rotation, with McDaniel saying he’ll rotate backs and use the hot hand. That’s something of a fantasy nightmare, but Hampton has the highest ceiling. He’s a low-end RB2 for me, while Vidal could have flex value. Mitchell is a wild card but is a great deep league stash.

In the passing game, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston figure to be the focus at wide receiver. McConkey was great in his rookie year but took a step back last year. I like him to bounce back as a WR2. I think Johnston has a higher ceiling but more volatility. He’s more of a WR3 for me. The question is second-year man Tre Harris, who had no real role in 2025. Could he be better in 2026? That’s the hope, but I’m not relying on him right now. In the tight end room, Gadsen is the best bet, but it could be a committee. I like Gadsen as a TE2 with upside. Njoku is a sneaky stash.

Prediction

The Chargers had about the worst luck possible in 2025, and yet the team won 11 games and made the playoffs. I think they’ll be in the mix for a playoff berth again and could even win the AFC West if things break right. Much of it will depend on the Broncos and what the Chiefs can do.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.