Denver and Los Angeles clash in a pivotal AFC West showdown, as Herbert and a deeper Chargers offense look to press for an early division lead while Denver seeks a bounce-back against a high-powered unit. Khalil Mack’s IR stint forces a shift in the edge rotation and tests Denver’s protection and run schemes, making every possession critical.

Key matchups shape fantasy angles: Bonito vs Alt on the edge, Bo Nix’s legs against a mobile Chargers defense, and Keenan Allen with Johnston testing Denver’s secondary. The game could hinge on red-zone success, turnover margins, and how well Denver balances blitz looks with zone coverage.

Chargers shock KC in a Brazilian-week opener, and Justin Herbert’s play signals more than a Day 1 spark. A sharper Greg Roman game plan unlocked a multi-wave attack led by Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston, with Joe Alt anchoring a solid run-pass mix that kept the Chiefs off-balance. The defense tightened up, and the run game showed improvement, setting a playoff-tone for a division slate that now features the Raiders and Broncos as real makers of trouble. Herbert’s elite accuracy and poise cue fantasy managers to lean into Chargers stacks this week.

Mekhi Becton’s return to Chargers practice injects needed pop into an offensive line that has been banged up and short on reliable depth. Alt at left and Becton anchoring the right side could unlock Herbert’s play-action and the run game, especially with Slater’s timeline still unclear. The unit remains a work in progress, with Jamari Sawyer sliding between tackle and guard and Branson Taylor toggling positions, underscoring a thin depth chart that could push the front office to add interior help via waivers or a free-agent addition like Risner.

The quarterback hierarchy remains unsettled, with Taylor Heinicke’s status fueling trade speculations and Trey Lance’s name surfacing as a potential match for Greg Roman’s system. If Lance lands in LAC, the offense could gain a mobile chess piece who fits the scheme, altering QB2 dynamics and Herbert’s rushing expectations. Meanwhile, Chris Jones looms as a premier interior rusher for Week 1, pressuring the interior blockers and testing the line’s ability to sustain blocks and create yards after contact. Keenan Allen and Quinton Johnston flashed in camp, signaling a dangerous duo for the air game, while Herbert’s leadership remains a constant booster for confidence and timing.

The Chargers’ early preseason evaluation centers on Trey Harris, Trey Lance, and Joe Alt, with Keenan Allen’s signing softening the immediate pressure on the rookie trio. Harris has been quiet through two games, while Lance has steadily pushed his trade value and potential trade discussions into the conversation. Alt faces stiff competition to establish left tackle status in year two, especially with Rashawn Slater returning from injury. The conversation stays grounded in practice notes, tape review, and how these players could influence the 53-man roster and Week 1 depth chart.

Across the show, the hosts weigh the balance of upside versus immediate impact, noting Harris’ blocking progress and contested catches as signs of usable upside despite two targets. Lance’s evolution—from legs-first to more refined passing—has turned him into a legitimate trade chip, though staying as Herbert’s backup remains the practical aim. Alt’s path hinges on development and whether Slater’s return reaffirms him at left tackle or reshuffles the line. The show also touches on practice dynamics, roster construction, and the implications for fantasy managers tracking Chargers depth charts.