Fantasy Football Experts Recommend Ladd McConkey as Chargers’ Top Receiver Against Titans
As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for their matchup against the Tennessee Titans, fantasy football experts are turning their attention to receiver Ladd McConkey, predicting he could play a pivotal role on Sunday.
Shifting Dynamics in the Chargers’ Receiving Corps
After a promising start to the season, Chargers fans may have believed that rookie Quentin Johnston was poised to take the reins as the team’s WR1. With three touchdowns in the first two games, Johnston’s early success excited many, suggesting a breakout season was on the horizon. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically.
Though Johnston has tallied 28 receptions and five touchdowns thus far, McConkey has found his stride. The veteran receiver has recently regained form, showcasing an impressive resurgence with 22 catches and two touchdowns over the past three games. This resurgence has coincided with the return of Keenan Allen, who has solidified his position as the primary target for quarterback Justin Herbert.
A Wealth of Targets for Justin Herbert
The Chargers now boast a diversified receiving attack, featuring McConkey, Allen, Johnston, and the emerging tight end Oronde Gadsden. This depth has allowed Herbert to effectively distribute the ball, contributing to the team’s solid 5-3 record as they head into their contest against the struggling Titans, who sit at 1-7. The Chargers are expected to capitalize on their offensive weapons, making them substantial favorites for the game.
Fantasy Insights on McConkey vs. Johnston
NBC’s Fantasy Football analysts have taken note of McConkey’s recent performance, advising fantasy owners to start him while considering Johnston as a bench option. In their weekly “Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em” analysis, they highlight McConkey’s impressive statistics:
“McConkey has 27 catches for 294 yards and three scores over his past four weeks,” they noted. “With a 31 percent target share during this stretch, the Chargers are treating him as their No. 1 wide receiver, reflected in a 33 percent first-read target share.”
In contrast, Johnston’s production has significantly waned since McConkey’s resurgence. Despite being active for the last two games, he has only managed a 7 percent target share and accounted for a mere 11 percent of the team’s air yards in recent weeks. Such a decline has led to a recommendation for fantasy managers to adopt a cautious approach regarding Johnston’s prospects moving forward.
Anticipating a High-Scoring Affair
With the Chargers heavily favored by nine points against the Titans, expectations are high for an offensive showcase. Fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching closely to see if McConkey can continue his upward trajectory as the team aims to extend their winning streak.
As the Chargers prepare to face a struggling opponent, McConkey’s performance could be a significant factor in both the team’s success and fantasy football outcomes this week.
