It has been a trying start to the season for the Los Angeles Chargers. At 0-4, they’ll be desperate for a win to get things on track, but they may be without top wideout Ladd McConkey. It’ll be Quentin Johnston thrust into a top wideout role against the Broncos if McConkey is held out; is that enough to make Johnston a must-start in all fantasy football formats?
Quentin Johnston Week 4 Analysis
After a slow start to the season for QJ, Week 4 was a chance to get things going. McConkey reinjured his troublesome foot early in the matchup with the Seahawks; as the game script quickly shifted toward the pass, Johnston had a chance to claim his top spot in the pecking order.
But claim it, he did not. Johnston got 75% of the snaps, second among LA receivers behind Tre’ Harris (93%). That didn’t translate to production; while the entire passing offense struggled, Johnston drew only two targets. He turned his sole catch into a 44-yard gain — the team’s longest passing gain of the day — but 5.0 PPR points isn’t the kind of production you expect from a starting fantasy receiver.
This only adds to Johnston’s frustrations this season. Despite playing plenty of snaps, Johnston has drawn only 18 targets through four games, recording seven catches for 108 yards. He has consistently underwhelmed, with PPR point totals of 3.7, 2.4, 7.0, and 5.0 in the first four games. With a high-scoring finish of WR63, it’s hard to have much confidence in Johnston’s ability.
But does a matchup with the Denver Broncos change anything?
Week 5 Matchup Analysis
Last season, the Denver Broncos were an absolute nightmare for opposing passing attacks. They ranked first in net yards per attempt and seventh in total pass yards allowed, regularly dominating their opponents through the air. This year, they’ve taken a significant step back: Denver’s defense has dropped to 16th in net yards per attempt and 21st in total pass yards allowed. That’s a big problem they have to solve.
It won’t get any easier after Patrick Surtain II’s injury. Denver’s stud cornerback will miss a few weeks after suffering a non-contact ankle injury against the 49ers and won’t be around to cover LA’s receivers. That places a heavier burden on Broncos cornerbacks Riley Moss and Jahdae Barron to pick up the slack, and gives a solid boost to the Chargers’ passing game.
But I’m skeptical these injuries are enough to make Johnston a viable fantasy play. Opportunity doesn’t count for much when the context is terrible, and it is indeed terrible for the Chargers. Justin Herbert is under constant pressure behind a banged-up offensive line and is playing poorly even when he has clean pockets. Sustaining one wide receiver may be too much to ask, and it’s clear the coaching staff and Herbert trust Harris more.
Perhaps McConkey’s injury gives you enough leverage to trade Johnston if you want, but I’m keeping him far away from my starting lineup. If the coaches don’t trust him and his quarterback doesn’t trust him, you don’t have to either.
