2012 Team Outlook: San Diego
QB Philip Rivers, IND - Solid/Safe Pick
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Rivers has A-game potential, but there were plenty of B and C level performances during last season's turnover-heavy campaign. As both the quarterback and veteran Chargers look to rebound, look for Rivers to throw early and often. His major objectives will be to move the ball quickly and accurately. Accuracy has been an issue and Rivers and his team have been working on eliminating turnovers. Rivers has a solid running game behind him and he should have every opportunity to make it a great season.
QB Charlie Whitehurst, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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Whitehurst is back to back-up Philp Rivers this season after one away in Seattle. He has the ability to make your standard plays and get the team moving, but is this enough if Rivers falls to injury? Eh, the jury is out, way out.
Whitehurst has been out for a brief period and it appears one to two more weeks while his knee heals.
RB Jackie Battle, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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Battle now becomes a super sleeper on my list. With Mathews out 4-6 weeks and Brown and Brinkley working for carries, Battle should factor into the RBBC approach too. Battle can run the ball and be productive under the right set of circumstances, so we will have to wait and see.
RB Curtis Brinkley, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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It appeared that Brinkley was getting his chance to be a solid back-up, then Ronnie Brown arrived. Brinkley will likely lose quite a bit of work to Brown as long as Brown stays healthy and can produce. If there is an injury to Mathews or Brown, Brinkley will see some carries. If not, we will have to see how things play out game to game.
Brinkley moves into a sleeper category at this stage with the injury to Mathews. If Ronnie Brown cannot deliver, we might see much more of Mr. Brinkley than anticipated.
RB Ronnie Brown, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Brown joins the San Diego squad after a poor season in 2011 in Philly. Does the ex-Dolphin still have any magic left? Perhaps, but how much is the good question. Ryan Mathews tops the Rb depth chart, but Brown will see some carries. In theory, this will be good for both backs; Brown can have an opportunity to show he still has it and the not-so durable Mathews can catch a breather. If he impresses enough during camp, Brown could emerge as decent flex play - especially if he truly inherits Mike Tolbert's role. Not counting it, but someone else will get work here.
Update (8/10): Ryan Mathews suffered a broken collarbone in the Chargers preseason opener and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Brown figures to receive the majority of the workload, though he's hardly been productive in recent campaigns. At least fantasy owners will have a few weeks before having to make a call as to the when and where the backs should be selected.
Update 8/26/12: Brown will be the premiere back in SD's offense until the return of Ryan Mathews. It appears we will see Mathews around Week 3 or 4 of the season as long as his recovery goes as planned.
RB Jacob Hester, --- - Low Potential
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Hester should see some action, but he will likely be the FB fill-in for McClain. Both of these guys will open lanes for the likes of Bown, Brinkley, Battle and Mathews when he returns, but be unappreciated fantasy-wise. I say Hester has low potential in the fantasy world this season.
RB Ryan Mathews, --- - Stud (low risk)
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Update 8/26/12
Some reports put Mathews back on the field in Week 3 of the regular season. I am holding off a bit here until we see how he progresses after the surgery to repair his collarbone. I've seen professional cyclists right back on the bike and racing within a few weeks of such an injury, but we are talking a premiere NFL running back who will be targeted with big hits and susceptible to further injury if he is not fully healed. I think Week 3 is wishful thinking and the San Diego offensive coaches will hold Mathews out at least until Week 4.
Ryan Mathews broke his collarbone on his first preseason carry. This is not good news for those of us who had him ranked high on our draft lists. It appears there will be one heck of a RBBC approach going on in San Diego until Mathews returns. Following his surgery, which was on Friday, Mathews is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. I tend to play it on the cautious side and say we will be waiting at least six weeks to see Mathews suited up. In his stead we will see the aging Ronnie Brown, Curtis Brinkley, Jackie Battle and maybe a few other faces - Jacob Hester
Mathews had his breakout season last year. Look for him to continue to tear it up this season. The only concern reported is his durability. Mathews now has Ronnie Brown to back him up. This should help shoulder the workload. I suspect Mathews will have another stellar season. He is a stud running back. I see no need to worry about Brown. He is an asset in this situation. Mathews will see the bulk of the work and as long as he is productive, we will see this persist.
RB Le'Ron McClain, --- - Low Potential
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McClain wll be used to open running lanes and play the FB role. Jacob Hester might be called upon in this role too. McClain runs downhill and will open lanes like no other given the right schemes. Look for Mathews and Brown to run behind McClain for many plays. He will be valuable in this role this season. He might go under appreciated in fantasy circles, but will deserve much credit for the production of his teammates.
WR Vincent Brown, --- - Quality Backup
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Update 8/26/12
Brown's broke ankle has been surgically repaired and it has been reported that any ligamentous injury was minor. This means Brown will miss about 8 weeks of action. The San Diego wideout corps should expect to see Brown back for the second half of the season and for down the stretch.
Brown is a second season wide out with potential. He has good hands and has been reported to be working diligently on his route running. If Brown continues to work hard he may find himself getting more playing time. I like Brown as a sleeper option at receiver this season. He is on the radar, but not too many are quite ready to take a big chance on this guy. I say go for it.
WR Malcom Floyd, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Floyd has always been a favorite target for Rivers. Floyd has the ability to make plays and Rivers enjoys throwing the ball where Floyd can convert yardage with a difficult grab. Floyd will step into a new role this season and likely see more action. My only concern is his health. If he stays healthy he is worthy of a draft pick given his team and their desire to throw the ball often.
WR Robert Meachem, --- - Quality Backup
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Meachem is left to fill some big shoes - Vincent Jackson. Rivers will look early and often to Meachem and the hope is that they develop solid chemistry. Meachem should compete with Floyd and Gates for receptions with some other wide outs factoring into the equation. I like Meachem and think he will have consistent numbers this season.
WR Eddie Royal, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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Eddie Royal is a receiver who I think can do great things on the field. After a few solid seasons, he has changed teams and has not been that productive. I think Royal could resurge this season under the right circumstances. Royal has good hands and can run routes. We will have to see how he fits into the schemes and watch to see if Roscoe Parrish competes with him for the roster.
Royal will likely take the field this season as SD's top slot receiver. He remains a super sleeper fantasy-wise, but if you picked him up late or get him on waivers, he might be worth your while. His groin injury should be a thing of the past.
TE Antonio Gates, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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I do not think you can go wrong drafting Antonio Gates. Gates is still on top of the pile when it comes to TEs in San Diego. The team has a slew of tight ends who can play the position well. Gates' health, especially his foot has been of issue in past seasons. Team reports state that his foot issues are under control and he is healthier than anticipated. Gates will start with McMichael, Rosario and Sperry competing for back-up.
TE Randy McMichael, --- - Low Potential
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McMichael has aged over the years, but he is still productive when needed. This season he will have his work cut out for him as he battles Dante Rosario and Kory Sperry in camp. The back-up TE role is for these guys to define. I think Rosario and Sperry could both rise above McMichael given his age and their energy. Look to see how this scenario plays out. Whomever backs up Gates might see some work.
PK Nate Kaeding, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Kaeding is one of the leagues most accurate kickers. Last season he was replaced by Novak after suffering a seasson-ending knee injury. Kaeding appears to be ready to go this season and will regain his starting gig. Draft him with confidence.
Los Angeles - Bye Week Fill-in
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The San Diego defense was having great trouble last season with their secondary. They are working on this in camp and Jammer, Cason Bigby, Weddle and the rest must work hard and fall into line for their defense to return to a state of effectiveness and consistency. Look for some competition in camp from new guys who hope to prove they can fill a void or area for improvement. This defense might surprise, but likely needs another year or two to get in full step.