Raiders-Chargers trench duel looms Monday night as Las Vegas leans on a young O-line to step up with Jackson Powers-Johnson out and Alex Cappa stepping in. The defense counters with a Crosby-led rush and a deep DT rotation, aiming to harass Justin Herbert. Communication and tight run-sets (five on the line with a TE) could swing the game’s tempo and fantasy value.

Los Angeles counters with a versatile edge group and interior disruptors, testing the Raiders’ protection schemes. If Khalil Mack and the interior trio can sustain pressure, Herbert will have to improvise or get rid of the ball quickly, elevating the value of Chargers’ short-area options and Raiders’ containment efforts in the run game.

Brock Bowers returned to practice on Saturday, signaling he’s on track for Monday night against the Chargers and giving Las Vegas a major offensive spark after his knee issue last week. If he plays, the Raiders’ aerial attack gets a substantial boost, with a healthy ceiling for fantasy managers. Jackson Powers-Johnson’s concussion casts doubt on the line, potentially elevating Alex Cappa to starter duties. Elandon Roberts’ return strengthens the defense, while the Week 1 win over New England adds context for a primetime duel in Las Vegas.

Injury updates shape the fantasy landscape: Bowers active would tilt targets toward the star tight end, Powers-Johnson’s status could shift interior protection and run blocking, and Roberts’ return reinforces a defense that could foster more stops and quicker possessions. With the Chargers as the opponent, this Monday matchup carries high upside for LV’s fantasy upside if health aligns.

Dalton Risner signed a one-year, 1.337 million deal with a 167,500 signing bonus to join Cincinnati, a classic value pick given his 67.0 overall PFF grade on 537 snaps last season and a 76.2 pass-blocking mark. No sacks allowed in 1,282 total snaps across the last two seasons, and 2024 penalties were nil. Risner brings versatility at guard and a clear path to win the Bengals’ right guard job as Cincinnati rebuilds interior line with veterans moving on.

The guard situation in Cincinnati has been a major weakness, with Cordell Volson and Alex Cappa producing inconsistent results. Lucas Patrick is nursing a calf injury, and Risner stepped in with one pressure on 24 pass-blocking snaps in Week 1. Zac Taylor emphasized Risner’s experience, durability, and readiness, setting up a competitive battle with Dylan Fairchild and Patrick to protect Joe Burrow and stabilize the run game.

These changes frame Risner as a strategic upgrade rather than a rental, pointing to more reliable right-side protection for Burrow and potentially improved pocket integrity. If Risner locks in, fantasy managers should monitor the Bengals’ line rotations closely, as better pass protection often translates to longer throws and steadier fantasy outputs for Burrow and his pass-catchers.

Jackson Powers-Johnson starts at right guard in Week 1 for LV, beating out Alex Cappa as LV unveils its Week 1 five: Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham, Jordan Meredith at center, Powers-Johnson at right guard, and DJ Glaze at right tackle. Meredith’s surprising rise to center and JPJ’s RG assignment cap a month of shifts after competition with Cappa, with Aidan O’Connell trade-talk brewing in the background.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been strategic in their offseason spending with the second-most cap space in the NFL. They made headlines by extending Maxx Crosby, making him the highest-paid non-QB for a moment. However, the rest of their free-agent signings reflect a more conservative approach, with several players joining on modest contracts, emphasizing depth over splash signings.

Key additions include safety Jeremy Chinn, who signed a two-year deal worth $16.26 million with $12.25 million guaranteed, and offensive lineman Alex Cappa with a two-year, $11 million contract. Cornerback Eric Stokes and linebacker Elandon Roberts have also joined for one-year stints. The focus seems to be on building a competitive roster without overextending financially.