Chargers 16, 49ers 22 (Chargers covered +7, U45.5)

Postgame:  The Chargers were in control of this game through the majority of the first half, somehow using their second-worst rushing defense to stop the powerful 49ers run game.  The Chargers had to settle for three field goals in the second quarter, including on a drive where they had a first-and-goal from the two, which ultimately cost them the victory. This game would have turned out very differently if the Chargers were not so injured on both sides of the ball and if the play calling was not so predictively bad. The Niners were able to take full advantage of those injuries with their offensive and defensive lines, controlling the line of scrimmage, especially in the second half.  As the game progressed, the 49ers dominated the running game on both sides of the ball, cruising to a fairly easy comeback victory. There were no incredible fantasy games from the large number of studs in this contest, but a few players that did not completely burn their fantasy GMs.  The Chargers fall one game out of the playoffs at 5-4 in the AFC, while the 49ers advance to 5-4 and remain in the third wildcard spot in the NFC

Pregame: At the beginning of the season, this matchup between the Chargers and 49ers would have been considered one of the best on the year.  Unfortunately, the Chargers are absolutely riddled with injuries to star players on both sides of the ball, while the 49ers are healthier and more powerful than ever, especially with the addition of Christian McCaffrey.  Both teams are more than capable of putting up huge numbers on offense, but it will be a tough ask for Justin Herbert, who is missing his top two pass-catchers and faces the NFL’s best defense.  The Chargers are one game back from the division-leading Chiefs, while the 49ers trailing the Seahawks by a pair of wins.  Each team currently holds the third wildcard spot in their respective conferences, so a victory on Sunday night would be absolutely crucial.

Chargers

QB

Justin Herbert

Postgame: Herbert played really well and threw a bunch of incredible passes in this contest, but unfortunately the injuries to his skill players and offensive line have demolished his fantasy relevance. He completed 21-of-35 passes for 196 yards with one touchdown and an interception.  Herbert was missing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams for the entire game, while Gerald Everett left the game early due to a groin injury.  The Chargers also had a first-time starter at right tackle who got the pleasure of lining up across from Nick Bosa every snap.  Herbert is arguably outside of standard league fantasy relevance until players on this offense return to the field.  Since Week 3, Herbert ranks as the QB20, averaging less than 15 fantasy points per game.

Pregame: Herbert has been struggling this year due to injuries at his skill positions.  Fantasy GMs honestly need to consider putting him on their bench in a very tough matchup against one of the absolute best defenses in the NFL. They are top-10 in least passing yards allowed per game, while allowing the least rushing yards per game by a wide margin. In five of Herbert’s last six games, he has scored less than 20 fantasy points, with four of those games being 14 or fewer points.

RB

Austin Ekeler

Postgame: If fantasy GMs are not playing in PPR formats, Ekeler was not able to get the job done on Sunday night, finishing with a combined 63 yards.  His seven receptions, on 12 targets, substantially helps in PPR leagues, with the majority of those passes are check-downs or quick dump-offs.  He finished Sunday night with six rush attempts for 24 yards and 39 receiving yards. Ekeler remains the overall RB1 in PPR formats this season on the back of 23.6 points per game.  

Pregame: Start Ekeler as per usual, even in a matchup against the absolute worst matchup for running backs this season. He is getting fed in this offense, picking up extra reps during the absence of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.  He has scored at least 24.1 fantasy points in each of his last five games and ranks as the RB1 on the season. 

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