Chargers stay afloat at 4-2 amid a wave of injuries, eyeing big returns like Khalil Mack and Joe Alt to steady the lineup. The offense benefits from a tighter protection plan that lets Justin Herbert extend plays, while Jesse Mentor’s defense has steadied overall though run defense remains a concern. Kamani Vidal’s breakout adds reserve depth and sparking trade talk could shape the deadline as Amari Hampton’s status looms. Quinton Johnston’s possible return injects fresh speed, with a brutal next slate against the league’s top offenses.

With the season’s trade deadline approaching, the front office is sizing up RB help and offensive-line upgrades, even as cap space hints at aggressive moves. The show stresses staying disciplined on injury timelines, monitoring practice reports for Alt and Mack, and weighing how the next two weeks against the Colts and Vikings will test a team still trying to punch above its weight.

Drake May is the standout stock-up, pacing as a top fantasy QB with a favorable matchup slate and a diversified Patriots attack that fed multiple receivers. Cam Scataboo erupted for the Giants, while Rico Dott and Chuba Hubbard kept Carolina in wins with a backfield-by-committee approach that still favored volume. The backfield reshuffles continued with Kamani Vidal taking over in San Diego’s run game, complemented by Devin Achan and Jaylen Waddle supplying steady fantasy floors for Miami.

Injury news drove waiver-wires: Puka Nacua’s London outing and Kyler Murray’s crew faced questions, while PPR-friendly targets like Demario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, and Travis Etienne remained reliable in solid matchups. The Chiefs’ Kelce-Rashii Rice stack remained a staple, and the Jets’ offense added via Joe Flacco and Bryce Young/CJ Stroud debate left managers weighing ceiling vs. risk. Deliberate pickups included Bam Knight and Cameron Johnson, with Streaks and schedules guiding who gets the edge down the stretch.