RADIO
The injury to star wide receiver Keenan Allen caused quite a bit of discussion among fantasy football fanatics about the San Diego Chargers. A big injury to such an important player always creates chaos. We all struggle to find what replacements will benefit most from the stats opening up and rush to add them on the waiver wire. The Chargers did not show many positive signs in figuring out who steps up without Allen in a 22-19 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
Quarterback Philip Rivers struggled without his top target. With 280 passing yards and only one touchdown pass, this was the first time since Week 3 that Rivers failed to throw for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns. The loss of Allen definitely now puts fear in the owners of Rivers as the Bears pass defense has been terrible this season.
Running back Danny Woodhead had the best night for San Diego with more targets heading his way. Woodhead only rushed for 33 yards but caught six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown score. Considering how terrible the depth is at running back right now, Woodhead is going to be one of the best values most weeks. He gets you a few rushing yards but is among the best at pass-catching. Rivers has shown a reliance on Woodhead and will continue to give him plenty of opportunity without Allen.
The Chargers wide receivers struggled to have big games with the expanded roles. Stevie Johnson was the popular add and he did have a solid performance with seven catches for 68 yards. The good sign is Johnson saw ten targets and will likely be the most heavily targeted wide receiver on the roster. The bad news was he failed to take advantage of a great matchup and his targets. Fantasy owners were hoping for a bigger return party for Johnson coming back to the fantasy fold of things. Things went worse for Malcom Floyd. The other San Diego receiver left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Floyd was unable to get a reception before leaving the game and caused anyone starting him to deal with a goose egg.
Tight end Antonio Gates was also believed to see a big game with the lack of Allen. Unfortunately, he ended up with just six catches for 69 yards. Much like Johnson, the game wasn’t bad by any means but he failed to take advantage of the targets and the matchup. Gates and Johnson are still trending upwards but Woodhead looks like the biggest benefactor without Allen.
