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Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

San Diego Chargers Week 20 Fantasy Analysis

January 17, 2008 @ 05:24:22

By Scott Lau
Edited by Matthew Wilson

San Diego Chargers Fantasy Matchups - Week 20

Opponent: at New England Patriots

The San Diego Chargers (13-5) managed to defeat the Indianapolis Colts (13-4) last weekend, despite having a mountain of things go wrong - particularly injuries. Now the Chargers find themselves headed to Foxboro, Massachusetts for a date with destiny. They have the daunting task of facing the New England Patriots (17-0) in the American Football Conference title game. New England, as everyone knows, is the National Football League's only undefeated team. The Chargers are banged up after their battle with the Colts but are riding high on confidence. San Diego will need that and more, if they intend to take down the juggernaut that is the Patriots.

Quarterback

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

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	24	220.0	1.75	0.50	0.0	0.00	X
Billy Volek	3	2	4	18.0	0.00	0.00	-1.0	0.33	N/A

Rivers (knee) played extremely well through three quarters last week, shouldering much of the offensive burden after running back LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) missed the entire second half. Rivers was showing his playmaking skills until he injured a knee on the last play of the third quarter. At press time, the playing status of Rivers, who did not practice Wednesday, was unknown, but there was speculation that he would play. You should obviously keep a close eye on this situation. If Rivers is well enough to start, consider him a strong play as a No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Volek served as an adequate replacement against the Colts when Rivers left the game. Volek drove the team down the field in the fourth quarter and scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run. If Rivers is not well enough to play, Volek, who is regarded as a solid backup, obviously would get the start. As a starter, Volek would rate as a No. 1 fantasy quarterback and a strong play.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Comp/G	Att/G	Pass Yds/G	Pass TDs/G	INTs/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G
Patriots	3	21	35	233.3	2.33	0.67	12.0	0.00

The Patriots have been allowing opposing quarterbacks to put up big numbers during the last four weeks (three games). This has happened mainly because opposing offenses have been forced to throw the ball early and often once they fall behind. The Chargers' goal this week should be to keep this game as low-scoring as possible. However, that being said, the Chargers are expected to throw the ball frequently.

Running Back

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

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	18.25 (31.80)	3.50 (39.74)	0.50	58.3	0.50	1.75	13.3	0.25	+
Michael Turner	4	11.75 (20.48)	1.50 (17.03)	0.50	38.0	0.00	0.25	2.0	0.00	X
Darren Sproles	4	4.75 (8.28)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	9.5	0.00	1.75	15.0	0.25	N/A

Tomlinson was knocked out of last weekend's game against the Colts with what is being called a hyperextended left knee. He had missed the club's Wednesday practice. However, at press time, Tomlinson had declared that he would play Sunday. Nevertheless, be sure to check his status later in the week just to be safe. If Tomlinson is well enough to go, he is a solid play as a No. 1 running back.

Turner shouldered the load in the running game last week when Tomlinson was on the sidelines, rushing 17 times for 71 yards. If Tomlinson is held out this weekend, look for Turner to get the lion's share of the carries. Regardless of whether Tomlinson plays, consider Turner a solid play as a No. 2 back this weekend.

Sproles did a fantastic job last week as a change-of-pace back when Tomlinson was knocked out of action. Although Sproles didn't contribute much in the rushing game, he turned a simple screen pass into a 56-yard touchdown scamper. Sproles should be considered a solid play as a No. 2 running back for this weekend's game against the Patriots.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Att/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TDs/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Patriots	3	18.0	77.0	0.00	5.67	52.0	0.33

Although the Patriots have been generous to enemy quarterbacks during the last month (three games), they have been very stingy to opposing running backs during the same time frame. The Patriots ranked No. 5 in rushing yards allowed to the position and have not allowed a single rushing touchdown. The Chargers will need to mount an effective running attack, if they hope to keep the Patriots offense on the sidelines.

Wide Receiver

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Chris Chambers	4	6.75 (11.76)	1.00 (11.35)	0.00	4.00	77.0	0.75	N/A
Vincent Jackson	4	6.25 (10.89)	1.25 (14.19)	0.50	4.50	66.5	0.50	X
Craig Davis	4	2.00 (3.49)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	1.25	15.5	0.00	N/A
Legedu Naanee	3	0.50 (0.87)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	0.33	9.0	0.00	N/A

Chambers had a great game against the Colts last weekend, coming up with big catches in the clutch. He topped off his performance with a beautiful 30-yard touchdown catch on a perfect throw from Rivers. This weekend, Chambers should be targeted early and often. He should be considered a strong play as a No. 1 wide receiver.

Jackson has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the playoffs thus far. Through two playoff games, he has amassed more than 200 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. He has also done an excellent job of using his huge frame to make plays this post season. Jackson's size should definitely provide him with an advantage against the Patriots' smaller defensive backs. He should be considered a strong play as a low-end No. 1 or a high-end 2 wide receiver.

Davis did not produce much last weekend, catching just one ball for 18 yards. The Chargers may be forced to throw a lot this weekend, if they fall behind early. That should provide Davis with some opportunities to make plays. Consider him a strong play as a No. 3 wide receiver.

Naanee came up with a big play last weekend, but right now he is too deep on the roster to merit fantasy consideration. Naanee is a weak play and should not be in your lineup.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Patriots	3	10.67	125.0	1.67

During the last month (three games), the Patriots have allowed more touchdowns per game to opposing wide receivers than any other team that is still in the playoffs. That could mean big games for Chambers, Jackson and the rest of the Chargers wide receivers.

Tight End

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

Player	G	Targets/G (%)	RZ Targets/G (%)	In-5 Targets/G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G	PH
Antonio Gates	4	4.75 (8.28)	0.75 (8.52)	0.00	2.75	32.3	0.00	+
Brandon Manumaleuna	3	1.33 (1.74)	0.00 (0.00)	0.00	1.00	7.0	0.00	N/A

Gates (toe) played admirably against the Colts, despite having a painful injury. Although he wasn't as nimble running across the field as he usually is, Gates still managed to contribute two catches for 28 yards. Gates had not practiced Wednesday, and, at press time, was considered a game-time decision for Sunday. If Gates is able to go, consider him a decent play as a No. 1 tight end. As you probably suspect, Gates' injury will likely limit his effectiveness.

Manumaleuna managed a minor contribution in the passing game against the Colts, catching one ball for three yards. He is still capable of scoring a touchdown once in a blue moon. Consider Manumaleuna a decent play as a borderline No. 1 tight end this weekend. Bench him if you have a better option.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	Rec/G	Rec Yds/G	Rec TDs/G
Patriots	3	4.33	56.3	0.33

When measuring receiving yardage allowed per game to opposing tight ends, the Patriots ranked in the bottom-10 of the league during the last four weeks (three games). Although Gates will not be 100 percent, we still think he could do some damage against the Patriots defense - assuming he plays.

Place Kicker

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

Player	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP/G	XP Att/G	Kick Pts/G
Nate Kaeding	4	1.75	2.25	2.75	2.75	8.0

In order for the Chargers to have a chance to win this weekend, they are going to need to score a lot of points. Kaeding (fibula) should see his share of opportunities. Consider him a solid play as a No. 1 place kicker this weekend.

Table: Opponent vs. Position

Team	G	FG/G	FG Att/G	XP/G	XP Att/G	Kick Pts/G
Patriots	3	0.67	0.67	2.67	2.67	4.7

The Patriots have not let opposing place kickers do much damage against them during the last four weeks (three games). They have yielded just 4.7 actual kicking points per game, which ranks No. 6 in the league during that time frame.

Defensive Team/Special Teams

Table: Per-Game Statistics - Weeks 16-19

Team	G	Off Pts Allowed/G	Net Yds Allowed/G	Sacks/G	INT/G	Fum Rec/G
Chargers	4	13.2	308.8	2.75	1.50	1.75

San Diego's defense has been playing very well during the last four weeks. Despite allowing 24 offensive points and 446 total yards to Indianapolis last week, the Chargers managed to come up with some big plays (two interceptions and one recovered fumble) at critical times to help win the game. The Chargers defense will need to play its best game of the year in order to win this weekend. Consider the San Diego defense a strong play as a No. 1 unit.

Table: Opponent Offense vs. Defense

Team	G	Off Pts/G	Net Yds/G	Sacks Allowed/G	INT Thrown/G	Fum Lost/G
Patriots	3	31.7	397.7	1.67	0.67	0.33

It's no secret why the Patriots are undefeated and one victory away from a trip to the Super Bowl: their offense has been fantastic this season. This unit has been the best in the league from day one and is a juggernaut to be reckoned with. Typically, teams getting into a shootout with the Patriots won't win. The best defense against the New England offense is to keep this unit off the field. The Chargers will look to run the ball as effectively as possible on offense. When on defense, look for the Chargers to utilize their pass rushers as much as possible to get some pressure on quarterback Tom Brady.