Los Angeles Chargers enter 2025 with Jim Harbaugh’s system in hand and Justin Herbert at the controls, a combination that kept the offense efficient and downfield-ready last season. Herbert thrived, rising to elite passing grades and attacking vertically, paving the way for a high-octane attack even as receiving depth remains a concern. The defense remains the story, anchored by Derwin James Jr. and Khalil Mack, producing a top-tier secondary that again stifles explosives and bolsters fantasy appeal across the roster.

Depth at wide receiver behind Ladd McConkey is uncertain after Joshua Palmer’s departure and limited upside from Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen, which could compress targets. The Chargers’ rookie add Omarion Hampton is framed as a potential lead back on a run-first approach, although Najee Harris presence elsewhere signals that a clear-cut top-10 rookie back is unlikely early. A notable fantasy edge comes from Herbert’s big-play ability; the best bet on the board remains Herbert over 21.5 passing touchdowns, a line he eclipsed previously as the offense evolved under Harbaugh.

Bottom-line takeaway: Rashawn Slater’s injury risk is real, but Harbaugh has yet to post a losing season in this NFL run. Even with depth questions, the Chargers project as postseason contenders thanks to a pass-defense backbone that should carry the defense in tight games, while Herbert’s downfield rhythm keeps fantasy managers hopeful for breakout weeks.

Quentin Johnston’s injury on the opening series casts a cloud over Los Angeles’ WR depth early in the season. Johnston was Chargers’ presumed deep-ball option after posting a strong 2023 campaign, and his exit on a medical cart during a pre-season tilt against the Rams leaves his Week 1 status in question. If he misses time, Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith become the immediate beneficiaries, with Lambert-Smith entering as a rookie who could see expanded targets.

Herbert’s connection with Johnston has been a focal point, and the offense will need to adapt if Johnston is out. Derwin James and Khalil Mack — two starting defenders who were held out — weren’t available for the game, potentially amplifying the importance of depth pieces at receiver and the rest of the unit. Johnston finished last season with 55 receptions and 711 yards, leading the team in receiving touchdowns, making his health a notable fantasy prompt as rooks Harris and Lambert-Smith push for early opportunities.

Overall, the injury underscores how quickly valuable depth tests fantasy lineups in August. Monitor Johnston’s status as the week progresses, and watch how the Chargers rotate rookie targets in practice and in upcoming exhibitions. The Rams game offered a microcosm of the positional challenge ahead for the Chargers as they open preparations for a demanding schedule.

Herbert will lead the Chargers’ offense in a preseason clash with the Rams, aiming to test live rush and build timing with a revamped receiving corps that includes Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Keenan Allen. Allen will still log limited snaps as he ramps up, giving Herbert a sense of comfort against a real pass rush before Week 1 in Brazil. The plan to play the starters despite injuries signals urgency over caution.

With Derwin James and Khalil Mack sidelined, Daiyan Henley steps into a leadership spotlight after a breakout season, while Joe Alt shifts back to left tackle to anchor a reimagined OL. Oronde Gadsden II has impressed with route-running polish and could push for more snaps as the Chargers explore a TE committee behind Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. The Rams test should illuminate depth and chemistry from top to bottom as LA readies for the regular season.

Herbert takes the field for a preseason debut to test a live rush from the Rams, a crucial tune-up as Los Angeles reloads its offense. Allen returns slowly, while a reshaped receiving corps, rookie reps, and a revamped line try to unlock Week 1 tempo. On defense, Henley steps into leadership with Derwin James and Khalil Mack sidelined for precaution, and the TE group leans committee as Dissly and Conklin clash for snaps. The game also frames Mehkhi Becton’s absence and Alt’s shift to left tackle as the offensive line retools.

Live reps in SoFi Stadium matter for fantasy managers. Herbert’s willingness to push, Allen’s conditioning arc, Henley’s growth, Alt’s alignment, and the Dissly-Conklin dynamic all feed into early-season projections, while the defense uses this stage to calibrate communication and leadership without its big-name veterans. It’s a practical, high-leverage watch for fantasy prep and betting angles ahead of the Brazil opener.

Key takeaways center on how quickly the Chargers translate a banged-up roster into rhythm against a Rams unit hungry to pressure a young offense. With minor injuries shaping roles, the outcome will tilt how fantasy rosters value Herbert, Allen, Dissly, Conklin, and Henley early in the season.