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San Diego Chargers Week 19 Fantasy Analysis

January 11, 2008 @ 11:18:55

By Scott Lau
Edited by Jason Hoffmann

San Diego Chargers Fantasy Matchups - Divisional Playoffs

Opponent: at Indianapolis Colts

The Chargers (12-5) managed to pick up a win last weekend, which no doubt was a big sigh of relief for head coach Norv Turner. This week, San Diego will not have home-field advantage. They will travel and play in the dome of the Indianapolis Colts (13-3), who are ready to start their playoff campaign and defend their title. This game should feature plenty of offensive firepower from both teams and should be a great game.

Quarterback

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Player	G	Comp/G	Att/G	Pass Yds/G	Pass TDs/G	INTs/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	PH
Philip Rivers	4	16	25	189.5	1.25	0.25	0.0	0.00	-

Rivers has really managed games well in the latter part of the season and the beginning of the postseason. The Chargers are not asking the world of him, and he is not trying to do more than he is capable of; he is simply managing the game. So far, it's been very effective. Rivers should be considered a No. 1 quarterback in this week's game versus the Colts.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Comp/G	Att/G	Pass Yds/G	Pass TDs/G	INTs/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G
Colts	3	20	32	200.0	1.00	1.00	10.7	0.00

Over the last four weeks, the Colts have been pretty "middle of the pack" in terms of their defensive performance against opposing quarterbacks. They have not allowed many passing or rushing touchdowns, but at the same time do not have overly impressive marks in regards to turnovers.

Running Back

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Player	G	Util/G (%)	RZ Util/G (%)	In-5 Util/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
LaDainian Tomlinson	4	14.00 (31.45)	3.50 (36.49)	1.25	80.2	1.00	2.00	10.0	0.25	+
Darren Sproles	4	10.50 (16.11)	1.75 (13.45)	0.25	39.8	0.50	1.75	4.2	0.00	N/A
Michael Turner	4	6.50 (13.42)	1.00 (7.68)	0.25	27.2	0.00	0.50	0.50	0.00	+

Tomlinson struggled against the Titans last weekend, but he came through when it mattered most. Expect the Chargers to unleash another heavy dose of Tomlinson upon the Colts this weekend. With Antonio Gates likely out for the week, Tomlinson will likely shoulder much of the load. L.T. should be considered your No. 1 fantasy back this week.

Sproles did not receive any carries in last week's game against the Titans. Obviously, if that trend continues, he is worthless on your fantasy roster. However, for this week, Sproles should be considered a No. 3 back.

Turner ended up receiving just under half as many carries as L.T. last week. Turner's hard-nosed running style is a perfect compliment for Tomlinson. This week, Turner should be considered a No. 3 running back or be left on your bench.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Att/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Colts	3	28.3	93.7	0.67	6.00	38.7	0.00

The Colts have allowed opposing running backs to get yards against them. They have allowed opposing backs into the end zone, but not very much. Needless to say, they should have their hands full on Sunday against Tomlinson.

Wide Receiver

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Chris Chambers	4	4.25 (10.74)	0.75 (7.68)	0.00	4.25	77.5	0.50	-
Vincent Jackson	4	3.50 (8.05)	1.50 (13.45)	0.50	3.25	50.8	0.25	-
Craig Davis	4	2.00 (3.45)	0.25 (1.92)	0.00	1.50	16.0	0.00	N/A

Chambers absolutely blew up for the Bolts last weekend, going over 120 yards on six catches. Chambers will be looked to early and often, especially in the absence of Gates. He should be considered a No. 1 wide receiver this week.

Jackson also had a big week alongside Chambers. From a fantasy perspective, it was even better because he found the end zone. This week Jackson will likely see increased targets due to Gates' injury. He should be considered a No. 2 or 3 wide receiver this week.

Davis does not merit fantasy consideration this week and should remain on your bench. He is a weak play.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Colts	4	12.00	134.0	1.00

The Colts have allowed opposing wide receivers to collect plenty of yardage against them. They rank in the middle of the league over the last four weeks in that category. Indianapolis will have to step up its efforts this weekend against a Chargers passing attack that will, for the first time in a while, rely heavily upon its wide receivers.

Tight End

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Antonio Gates	4	4.50 (7.67)	1.25 (9.60)	0.00	2.50	27.2	0.00	-
Brandon Manumaleuna	3	0.67 (1.53)	0.33 (1.92)	0.33	1.00	6.33	0.33	N/A

Manumaleuna has a big chance to be a hero this weekend. No one is asking him to be Gates or play like Gates, but if he can contribute with some key catches and not be a liability in the passing game, the fans will love him. He should be considered a No. 1 or bench tight end this weekend. He is a weak play.

Gates will likely be held out of the game against the Colts with an injury to his left foot. Keep an eye on his status, though, on the chance that he somehow suits up.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Colts	3	2.33	27.3	0.00

Even though the Colts defense has been downright stingy when it comes to defense against opposing tight ends, you can bet they are all breathing a sigh of relief that they won't be seeing Gates this weekend. Manumaleuna has his work cut out for him if he is going to have a good day on Sunday.

Place Kicker

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Player	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP/G	XP Att/G	Kick Pts/G
Nate Kaeding	4	2.50	2.75	3.25	3.25	10.8

Even though Kaeding shanked a field goal last week, he could see plenty of opportunities to put the ball through the uprights this weekend. He should be considered a No. 1 kicker and is a strong play.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP/G	XP Att/G	Kick Pts/G
Colts	3	1.00	1.33	1.33	1.33	4.3

The Colts have been extremely stingy to opposing kickers over the last four weeks, allowing an average of only 4.3 fantasy points over that span.

Defensive Team/Special Teams

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 15-18

Team	G	Off Pts Allowed/G	Net Yds Allowed/G	Sacks/G	INT/G	Fum Rec/G
Chargers	4	10.0	279.2	2.75	2.25	1.25

San Diego's defense has allowed fewer points over the last four weeks than any other team alive in the playoffs. Not only have they managed to limit their opponents scoring, but they have actually seen increases in sacks and turnovers as well. San Diego's defense makes for a No. 1 defense this weekend.

Table: Opponent Offense vs. Defense

Team	G	Off Pts/G	Net Yds/G	Sacks Allowed/G	INT Thrown/G	Fum Lost/G
Colts	3	20.3	324.7	2.0	0.3	0.7

Even with their backup players playing for most of Week 17, the Colts have had one of the best offenses in the league over the last four weeks. With quarterback Peyton Manning under center, and a wide receiving corps that is at full health, the Colts could look to test the Chargers secondary early in the game on Sunday.