Preseason competition for depth centered on the Chargers’ runway to evaluate options behind the entrenched starter. Lance’s ground game looked sharp, flashing a run-first approach with a five-yard TD and seven rushes for 48 yards, complemented by a 7-of-14 passing line. Heinicke’s rusty one-quarter showed the floor of the QB room, while Caleb Murphy seized his edge snaps, doubling as a reminder that the pass rush could rely on more than Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree when the main men sit. Eric Rodgers delivered a 55-yard pick-six and a second interception, underscoring the secondary’s ball-tracking identity, though he exited late with an injury. Special teams remained a mixed bag, with Dicker’s accuracy promising while returner duties flagged risk. <\/p>

Projected depth charts tightened in real-time as rookies and fill-ins stepped up, painting a clearer portrait of fantasy upside down the roster. The game amplified the Chargers’ need to balance development with week-to-week readiness, particularly at quarterback and edge. The Saints offered a contrasting showcase of turnover-prone plays and opportunistic defense, giving fantasy players a reason to monitor how depth pieces—like Murphy and Rodgers—might carve meaningful snaps once the regular season hits. <\/p>