Quentin Johnston poised to shine against Steelers’ struggling pass defense
The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and for fantasy football enthusiasts, all eyes are on rookie receiver Quentin Johnston. Despite currently ranking third on the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, experts predict that Johnston could emerge as quarterback Justin Herbert’s primary target in this crucial game.
Chargers face a daunting challenge
As the Chargers prepare to host the Steelers at SoFi Stadium, they do so under challenging circumstances. The absence of starting left tackle Joe Alt adds to their woes, yet they are up against a Pittsburgh secondary that has been nothing short of abysmal this season. The Steelers’ pass defense has been labeled the worst in the NFL, allowing a staggering average of 276 yards per game through the air.
In this context, fantasy analysts are encouraging bold decisions. According to insights from USA Today’s weekly “Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em” guide, Johnston is expected to step into a leading role in the passing attack.
Johnston’s potential breakout performance
Though Johnston trails behind veteran receivers Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey in key receiving metrics, he is anticipated to capitalize on the Steelers’ vulnerabilities. Recent performance trends suggest he is regaining form, especially following a tough outing in Week 8 where he didn’t register a single target. In the subsequent game against the Titans, Johnston bounced back with four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.
The Steelers’ secondary is yielding an average of 41.04 fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, the highest rate in the league. This presents an enticing opportunity for Johnston, who remains the Chargers’ leading touchdown scorer, to have a significant impact.
Running back situation raises concerns
While Johnston’s prospects appear promising, the outlook for Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is less favorable. USA Today advises fantasy owners to steer clear of Vidal, who is expected to be a temporary starter before rookie Omarion Hampton returns from injury.
Vidal struggled in Week 9 against Tennessee, managing only 30 yards on 12 carries, a far cry from his impressive performance against the Vikings the week prior. Meanwhile, the Steelers demonstrated their defensive prowess by stifling the Colts’ offense, limiting them to just 55 rushing yards in their last outing.
The stakes are high
As the Chargers look to navigate these challenges, the focus will be on how they utilize Johnston against a Steelers defense that has struggled throughout the season. With the fantasy football landscape shifting week by week, Johnston’s ascent could be pivotal not only for the Chargers but also for fantasy teams looking to make a statement in the upcoming match.
The stage is set for Johnston to potentially become the Chargers’ secret weapon in a game that promises to be anything but ordinary.
