Chargers visit Denver in Week 3 with momentum, chasing the AFC West lead as favorites to win the division. A win would keep LA atop the pile and move the betting line again in their favor.

Omarion Hampton is starting to push into a bigger role behind Najee Harris. Despite modest two-game numbers (3.1 YPC), his pass protection and opportunity first step could unlock a larger ground game if Week 3 goes in his direction.

Donte Jackson has been sticky in coverage since arriving as a 2025 free agent, allowing under 20 yards on 10+ targets. Tarheeb Still also stands out, with two passes defended and eight run stops, giving the Chargers a credible edge vs Denver’s pass attack.

Broncos’ discipline hasn’t matched the Chargers’ hot start, and LA’s home opener vibe could swing the tilt. The game sets up as a key barometer for divisional dynamics and fantasy outputs across backfields, corners, and playmakers.

Geno Smith's latest outing vs. the Chargers isn’t the end of the Raiders’ quarterback debate, but a reminder that growth is needed with a young cast. The mailbag sees potential top-12 upside for Smith if he refines anticipation and decision-making. Ashton Jeanty’s burst stands out, yet eight missed tackles on 30 carries and an elite-but-necessary line improvement loom as the key to unlocking the Raiders’ rushing attack. The piece weighs interior-line shuffles, Parham’s role, and potential inserts as the season unfolds, using Barkley behind an elite line as a yardstick for what blocking can unlock. It also highlights Washington’s looming test and the ongoing push-pull across coaching decisions and personnel.

Overall, the message is cautious optimism: don’t panic over one game, but recognize the trenches must improve for the offense to reach its ceiling. The discussion points toward a real chance for incremental upgrades—from Putnam and Rogers to Powers-Johnson at center—and a few shuffles that could stabilize the Raiders’ run game and protect Smith as the season progresses.

Broncos-Chargers injury outlook: Evan Engram is OUT with a back injury, and Dre Greenlaw also eyes another absence. Denver’s report otherwise points to full participation from the rest, hinting at a healthy depth chart for Sunday. Los Angeles counters with Will Dissly and Elijah Molden out, while Cam Hart and Daiyan Henley are questionable, adding risk to the secondary and LB spots. Fantasy-wise, Engram’s absence tightens Denver’s TE target pool, elevating focuses on RBs and WRs; for LAC, Dissly’s exit could shift short-area targets to receivers and running backs if Hart/Henley shake out.

Josh Jobe’s Week 1 breakout anchors Seattle’s secondary: five targets, one yard allowed, and a second interception, complemented by a 71.4% lockdown rate and a top-tier 90.2 coverage grade. Will Johnson delivered a poised rookie debut for Arizona, allowing 32 yards on seven targets with three incompletions. Sauce Gardner opened with lockdown numbers while Jamel Dean and Javon Bullard handled heavy workloads. Garrett Williams and Johnson hint at a high-upside Cardinals duo, underscoring early-season edge Week 1 data can offer for fantasy CB decisions.