The Chargers recorded a sack and no takeaways in the 41-29 loss to the Texans in Week 16.

Analysis: This was a shocking loss for the Chargers, but their defense simply hasn't been playing well this season. They rank 31st in the league with 27.4 points allowed per game. They have forced 20 turnovers (13th) and recorded 31 sacks (21st). There probably isn't much risk this week with QB Drew Lock under center for the Broncos, but the Chargers simply aren't a safe play after last week's embarrassment against the Texans. Still, there's plenty of upside to chase against a QB who has posted a 17:17…read more

The Chargers recorded a sack and a fumble recovery in the 31-28 loss to the Chiefs in Week 15.

Analysis: The Chargers' defense got roughed up by a great offense, but it was the ninth straight game where this unit allowed 21 or more points. Through 14 games, the Chargers rank 11th with 20 takeaways. While their pass rush has produced 30 sacks, the Chargers will be without DE Joey Bosa (COVID-19 protocol) in this contest, which will lower this unit's ceiling a bit. Still, the Chargers D/ST is in a good position against rookie QB Davis Mills -- who has been sacked on 7.6 percent of his dropbacks --…read more

The Chargers recorded two sacks and two takeaways in the 37-21 win over the Giants in Week 14.

Analysis: The Chargers' defense has struggled this season with 25.8 points allowed per game (26th), though its 18 takeaways come in 13th in the league. It's unclear if S Derwin James (hamstring) will play against the Chiefs on Thursday night, and he'll likely be somewhat limited if he goes. With QB Patrick Mahomes coming to town after racking up 48 points last week, the Chiefs look all the way back. Steer clear of the Chargers D/ST this week, especially if James can't go.

The Chargers recorded six sacks and four takeaways in the 41-22 win over the Bengals in Week 13.

Analysis: Bengals QB Joe Burrow dislocated his right pinky finger in the game, and that contributed to many of the Bengals' woes. The Chargers' defense has been overall mediocre this season and a weekly liability with 26.3 points allowed per game (27th), but their Week 14 matchup against the Giants is another strong opportunity. QB Jake Fromm will likely make his first career start after getting signed off the Bills' practice squad last week. The playbook will likely be limited for Fromm, and there's no…read more

The Chargers recorded a sack and a takeaway in the 28-13 loss to the Broncos in Week 12.

Analysis: The Chargers have now given up 26.6 points per game, the fourth-most in the league. They haven't provided much upside for fantasy purposes either with 12 takeaways (21st) and 21 sacks (24th). The Bengals have posted at least 30 points in five of the past six games, and they've coughed up eight turnovers in that stretch. Even though QB Joe Burrow has been sacked a whopping 30 times, the Chargers D/ST hasn't displayed a consistent enough pass rush to be anything but a deep-league flier this week.

The Chargers posted three sacks in the 41-37 win over the Steelers in Week 11.

Analysis: The Chargers have allowed at least 24 points in six straight games while posting just six takeaways. They rank 27th in the league with 26.5 points allowed per game and 19th with 11 total takeaways. The Chargers D/ST should have a decent floor this week because the Broncos' offense is lethargic with 18.2 points per game, but don't count on much upside, as the Broncos have coughed up just one turnover per game this season.

The Chargers recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery in the 27-20 loss to the Vikings in Week 10.

Analysis: The Chargers have allowed 24.3 points per game this season (eighth-most in the league) while forcing 11 turnovers (15th). Their pass rush is dismal, too, recording 17 sacks (27th) through nine games. This unit will be risky for fantasy on a weekly basis, but there could be some reward against the Steelers in Week 11. QB Ben Roethlisberger may be back from COVID-19 protocols, and the Steelers have recorded just 19.7 points per game (26th) anyway while turning the ball over 11 times.

The Chargers recorded a sack and a fumble recovery in the 27-24 loss to the Patriots in Week 8.

Analysis: The Chargers now rank 10th in the league with 10 turnovers, but they are 25th with 14 sacks. The matchup against the Eagles probably has a lower ceiling than we realize. The Eagles have recorded just seven takeaways through eight games while averaging 25.4 points per game, and QB Jalen Hurts has been sacked just 14 times. Even if Hurts has struggled at times, their garbage-time success is real and has fantasy consequences. Chargers D/ST should still have fantasy viability, but don't expect that…read more

The Chargers recorded three sacks and two turnovers in the 34-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 6.

Analysis: The Chargers couldn't contain QB Lamar Jackson, and their rushing defense has been pitiful this year with 162.5 rushing yards allowed per game. Their Week 8 opponent -- the Patriots -- doesn't have the same commitment to the ground game as the Ravens, and they're an enticing fantasy matchup. The Patriots have registered 11 giveaways this year, and they averaged just 20.8 points per game before dropping 54 on the Jets in Week 7. The Chargers D/ST should have a solid floor this week as a result,…read more

The Chargers allowed 531 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 47-42 win over the Browns in Week 5.

Analysis: After four straight strong weeks to start the season, the Chargers showed major vulnerability against the Browns, giving up 301 yards through the air and 230 yards on the ground. The worst part? They play the Ravens in Week 6. QB Lamar Jackson can exploit virtually any defense with his arm and his legs. With no clear No. 1 RB, perhaps a Chargers defender can spy him, but there's significant shootout potential nonetheless. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable dropping Chargers D/ST with a…read more

The Chargers forced a turnover and allowed 214 total yards in the 28-14 win over the Raiders in Week 4.

Analysis: After forcing four turnovers while giving up just 24 points in Week 3 against the Chiefs, the Chargers' defense looks legit. This unit was a different beast in Week 4, too, sacking QB Derek Carr four times and picking him off once. The Browns are coming to town in Week 5 after a close 14-7 win over the Vikings. QB Baker Mayfield struggled in that game, but he still has an outstanding 8.3 YPA this year and is backed by an elite running game. There is some upside considering he's been sacked 12…read more

The Chargers recorded four turnovers and two sacks in their 30-24 win over the Chiefs in Week 3.

Analysis: This kind of outing is rare for the Chiefs, but it's tough to give too much credit to the Chargers' defense considering their secondary is suspect beyond S Derwin James. Still, the team has a sturdy pass rush in LBs Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu. The Raiders have been a surprise this year, however, as they've averaged 30 points per game while coughing up two total turnovers. Their offensive line is still flaky -- QB Derek Carr has gone down eight times -- so Chargers D/ST should be a fine choice…read more

The Chargers allowed 419 total yards and forced a turnover in their 20-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: Holding the Cowboys to 17 points through four quarters is quite an accomplishment, and the Chargers D/ST maintains a promising floor moving forward as a result. However, their upside is a bit capped until their pass rush comes through, as they've produced just three sacks and two turnovers thus far. It's not worth the risk in Week 3 against the Chiefs, who have produced 68 points and 802 total yards through two games.

The Chargers allowed 16 points and 259 total yards in their Week 1 win over Washington.

Analysis: The Chargers forced one turnover and notched just one sack. Their Week 2 matchup against the Cowboys is bad for fantasy purposes. QB Dak Prescott proved he's at full health with a dominant Week 1, and this game has significant shootout potential due to Dallas' putrid defense. The Chargers D/ST isn't worth hanging onto with a Week 3 matchup against Kansas City around the corner.

The Chargers are fully healthy for their Week 1 matchup against Washington.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Washington will be without No. 2 WR Curtis Samuel while QB Ryan Fitzpatrick starts his first game for the team. His main targets should be WR Terry McLaurin, RB Antonio Gibson and TE Logan Thomas. The Chargers likely don't have a CB to match up with McLaurin on his own, but having S Derwin James over the top will help the cause. Furthermore, both Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu are healthy to add pressure to Fitzpatrick. There's upside here if Washington's offensive line falters.

The Chargers' defense should get a significant boost from S Derwin James.

Analysis: James didn't play at all in 2020 due to a meniscus injury, and he played just five games in 2019 due to a foot injury. The 2018 first-round pick posted 105 tackles, 13 pass breakups, 3.5 sacks three interceptions as a rookie, so the Chargers are hoping he can be the same player after injury. He'll certainly need to knock off some rust, but a full-speed James will immediately elevate this defense despite the departure of CB Casey Hayward. Still, the season-long outlook is low, and this unit will…read more

The Chargers' secondary has some question marks heading into the 2021 season.

Analysis: The Chargers were sturdy in the secondary last season, ranking ninth with 223.6 passing yards allowed per game. Nevertheless, they cut starting CB Casey Hayward, leaving Michael Davis and rookie Asante Samuel to start on the outside while Chris Harris -- who struggled last year -- will start in the slot in man coverage. That leaves plenty of uncertainty; nevertheless, the return of S Derwin James -- a 2018 All Pro -- will be an immediate boon for this unit. The pass rush will need to take the…read more

The Chargers forced 19 turnovers (22nd) during the 2020 season.

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The Chargers gave up 396 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 19-16 win over the Broncos in Week 16.

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The Chargers let up 449 total yards and forced a turnover in the 30-27 win over the Raiders in Week 15.

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The Chargers allowed 319 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 20-17 win over the Falcons in Week 14.

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The Chargers let up 291 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 45-0 loss to the Patriots in Week 13.

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The Chargers let up 332 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 27-17 loss to the Bills in Week 12.

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The Chargers allowed 292 total yards and forced a turnover in the 34-28 win over the Jets in Week 11.

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The Chargers allowed 280 total yards and forced a turnover in the 29-21 loss to the Dolphins in Week 10.

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The Chargers allowed 320 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-26 loss to the Raiders in Week 9.

Analysis: The Chargers are hoping to get Joey Bosa (concussion) back in Week 10 against the Dolphins after sacking Derek Carr just once last week, but they know that CB Chris Harris (foot) won't return. The injuries on the Chargers' defense have been brutal and it shows, as they've let up 29 or more points in five straight games, although they forced a turnover in each of those outings. The Dolphins showed life last week with Tua Tagovailoa under center, putting up 27 points on offense against the…read more

The Chargers allowed 351 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-30 win over the Broncos in Week 8.

Analysis: The Chargers' defense continues to struggle, and it just shipped away slot cornerback Desmond King to Tennessee on Tuesday. The Raiders don't have a game-breaker at the position, but WR Hunter Renfrow can be effective and could cause trouble if there are any growing pains at the position. The Raiders have averaged 26.8 points per game this year and rarely turn the ball over, too, so this is a risky play without much upside, especially if Joey Bosa (concussion) isn't available to rush the passer.

The Chargers allowed 294 total yards and forced a turnover in the 39-29 win over the Jaguars in Week 7.

Analysis: The Chargers entered Sunday's game with just eight sacks and added five more, as Melvin Ingram seemed to help turn things around. They let up a ton of points, but the sacks and the turnover salvaged the fantasy day. The matchup against the Broncos is quite intriguing, as they've posted five straight multi-turnover games, and QB Drew Lock still gets sacked plenty. RB Phillip Lindsay (concussion) and WR Tim Patrick (hamstring) are both trending in the wrong direction, too, leaving few weapons on…read more

The Chargers allowed 408 total yards and forced a turnover in a 30-27 loss to the Saints in Week 6.

Analysis: The Chargers have allowed 30 or more points in two straight games, but they got a bye week to recover and have a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Jaguars on tap. Melvin Ingram (knee) could return to the lineup, and although he'd be on a pitch count, he'd provide a major boost to a pass rush that has accounted for just eight sacks through five games. QB Gardner Minshew is vulnerable in the pocket, getting sacked on 6.6 percent of dropbacks, and he's tossed five picks over the past five games…read more

The Chargers allowed 484 total yards and forced a turnover in a 38-31 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4.

Analysis: The Chargers made the most of their first turnover since Week 1, picking off Tom Brady and taking it to the house. However, they didn't sack Brady once and allowed him to toss five touchdown passes. Fantasy managers should be wary of counting on this defense against the Saints, who could get WR Michael Thomas back. The Saints rank fifth with 30.7 points per game this season, and QB Drew Brees still rarely turns the ball over. The upside is capped with this bunch, so steer clear of Chargers D/ST.

The Chargers let up 302 yards in Week 3's 21-16 loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: The Chargers kept the Panthers off the scoreboard to some extent, but they didn't force a turnover and logged just two sacks. Facing off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will be tough in Week 4. Brady appears to finally be in rhythm, as he put up 28 points on the Broncos in Week 3 while avoiding turnovers and getting sacked just twice. The Chargers will get some relief with WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) expected to miss this game, but they'll be without star CB Chris Harris (foot). At best,…read more

The Chargers allowed 414 total yards in Week 2's 23-20 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: The Chargers game-planned well for the Chiefs' dominant offense, but it was still a light fantasy performance with no turnovers and just one sack. They'll sport a high floor in Week 3 versus the Panthers, who will be without the league's top RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle). QB Teddy Bridgewater has performed well with 8.4 yards per attempt, but he has a 1:2 TD:INT ratio, so this offense clearly runs through the backfield. Whether Mike Davis can carry that load is another question, so the…read more

The Chargers forced two turnovers and held the Bengals to 295 total yards in Week 1's 16-13 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: The Chargers were gifted a missed last-second FG in order to start the season 1-0, but their Week 2 matchup against the Chiefs will be humbling. QB Patrick Mahomes dismantled the Texans in the season opener, completing 75 percent of his passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, and he was sacked just once. They played on a Thursday night after their receivers were a bit banged up, so the added rest should work to their benefit. Frankly, we know what the Chiefs can do. Stay…read more

The Chargers will play the Bengals in Week 1.

Analysis: The Chargers forced just 14 turnovers in 2019 -- last in the league -- and now they'll be without star S Derwin James (knee) for the entire season. Still, they should have one of the better secondaries in the league, as they signed CB Chris Harris this offseason to start opposite Pro-Bowler CB Casey Hayward. With a strong pass rush in two with DE Joey Bosa, DE Melvin Ingram and DT Linval Joseph, expect them to hurry rookie QB Joe Burrow into at least some mistakes, providing an intriguing…read more

The Chargers ranked 32nd in the league in 2019 with 14 turnovers.

Analysis: The Chargers struggled with injuries last year, as SS Derwin James missed 11 games. The team added CB Chris Harris, DT Linval Joseph and rookie LB Kenneth Murray this offseason to accompany CB Casey Hayward and DE Joey Bosa, so it should be an upgraded unit. They could still be put in tough positions if Philip Rivers' turnover issues are picked up by Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert, but regardless, if they can stay healthy, this is a top-10 fantasy unit.

The Chargers allowed 24 points and 366 total yards in Week 16's loss to the Raiders.

Analysis: The Chargers held their own in Week 11 against the Chiefs, allowing 'just' 24 points and forcing a turnover. They've forced just three turnovers over the past seven games as well, and they rank 27th in the league with 30 sacks. With plenty for the Chiefs to play for, they'll be full speed ahead in Week 17, and there's no reason to risk fantasy stardom by streaming Chargers D/ST.

The Chargers allowed a season-high 39 points and 344 total yards to the Vikings in Week 15's loss.

Analysis: It was an absolute catastrophe for the home Chargers, but the blame doesn't belong to the defense, as their offense committed seven turnovers, including one which was run back for a touchdown. The Chargers didn't perform well in their first matchup against the Raiders, forcing no turnovers and allowing 26 points. But again, their offense allowed a pick-six in that contest. The constant poor field position is a liability, but the Raiders haven't been productive lately, exceeding the 20-point…read more

The Chargers allowed 10 points and 252 total yards in Week 14's win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Chargers were in control for the entire contest, but they didn't force a turnover and notched just two sacks. That's still a decent fantasy performance, but their upside has been capped all year, ranking 30th in turnovers (12) and 26th in sacks (27). Their defense is overall solid, as it ranks 11th in YPC allowed (4.1) and fourth in passing YPG allowed (196.6). However, the Vikings have a powerful offense with 26.1 PPG (seventh) while giving up just 15 turnovers, so the already low ceiling…read more

The Chargers allowed 23 points and 218 total yards in Week 13's loss to the Broncos.

Analysis: The Chargers defense actually played decently but was hurt by their own offense's two turnovers, leaving them in tough field position. They'll now face the Jaguars and Gardner Minshew, who has posted a middling 7.3 yards per attempt this year. The Chargers get relief from having Derwin James back in the fold, and he'll face a second rookie quarterback in as many weeks. When Minshew has been under center, the Jags have averaged 243.3 passing yards per game, which would be good for 12th in the…read more

The Chargers allowed 24 points and 310 total yards in Week 11's loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: The Chargers were fortunate that Tyreek Hill left with a hamstring injury in the first quarter because they simply didn't have the speed to stick with him. However, it was still a decent defensive effort considering they were constantly thrust into action since their offense coughed up four turnovers. Their biggest concern in this outing will be shutting down Courtland Sutton, but the Chargers' secondary is strong, allowing over 226 passing yards just once since Week 3. It's unsettled who will…read more

The Chargers didn't force a turnover in Week 10's 26-24 loss to the Raiders.

Analysis: The Chargers D/ST was on the hook for one of the Raiders' defensive touchdowns, and their real-life defense had to deal with three offensive turnovers, putting them in tough field position on short rest. Whether the Chargers' offense shapes up or not doesn't look like it will matter in this contest, as the Chiefs come to town with at least 25 points in all but one game this year. QB Patrick Mahomes didn't look to be at full health last week, but he's likely in better shape after another week of…read more