Through six weeks, it’s been difficult to gauge the Chargers‘ passing game. To no one’s surprise, Jim Harbaugh has implemented a run-heavy scheme in his first year as Los Angeles’ head coach. That’s meant limited opportunities for the team’s middling group of wideouts.
Monday night’s showdown with the Cardinals could offer some insight into the Bolts’ offense. Los Angeles enters the contest as 1.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 44 points.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, their depth might be tested in Week 7. Rookie Ladd McConkey (hip) is questionable to play, while second-year receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) is doubtful. With an injury-ravaged roster, veteran Joshua Palmer ($4,400) could be in line for a big performance against Arizona.
Although McConkey and Johnston have had their moments, quarterback Justin Herbert ($5,500) has yet to find his go-to option. Palmer, the most experienced receiver on the roster, was expected by many to fill the void left by Keenan Allen’s departure this offseason. So far, that hasn’t been the case; he’s only put up a total of 108 receiving yards over four games.
Even if the Chargers wanted to throw to someone else, they might not have a choice. Assuming McConkey and Johnston can’t go on Monday, the rest of LA’s receiver room is a rag-tag collection of unproven talent. Names like Simi Fehoko ($3,000) and Derius Davis ($3,000) don’t exactly inspire much confidence.
We’ve seen Palmer put up big games before. Look no further than Week 5 of last season, when the former Tennessee Volunteer posted a five catch, 133-yard stat line against the Chiefs. This year, the Cardinals are giving up 7.8 yards per pass attempt, third-most in football. The ingredients are there for another terrific Palmer performance.
Managers shouldn’t be flocking to any Chargers pass catcher; Los Angeles has the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (153.2). Still, if you’re in need of a high-ceiling flex option, Palmer is a good pick to slot into your DFS or season-long fantasy lineups.
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