Herbert continues to push the Chargers into elite QB conversations as Los Angeles sits at 4-2 and resets for a Week 7 showdown with the Colts. A thriller vs the Dolphins showcased Herbert’s poise under pressure, finishing 29 of 38 for 264 yards with 2 touchdowns, even as his supporting cast dealt with injuries. A late 42-yard connection from Ladd McConkey set up Cameron Dicker’s game-winner, underscoring the Chargers’ reliance on dynamic plays and field-position scoring. With Quentin Johnston out, the fantasy impact hinges on deeper targets and Herbert’s volume, while trade-deadline chatter keeps the macro narrative lively around a team still chasing playoff credibility.

Los Angeles lands Odafe Oweh from Baltimore for Alohi Gilman in a swap that also changes picks: Ravens get a 5th next year, Chargers receive a 7th in 2027. Oweh, a 2021 first-rounder, owned a career-high 10 sacks last season but has not recorded a sack this year, and the move aims to bolster a pass rush missing Khalil Mack.

Gilman started five games for the Chargers and has 22 tackles this season; his return to a Maryland connection adds a homecoming angle. The trade also comes as Khalil Mack’s timeline remains uncertain, Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton deals with a groin issue, and the teams balance edge help with defensive back depth as the Rams visit and Miami looms.

Khalil Mack’s injury-limited presence stung the Chargers’ pass rush in the 27-10 loss to Washington, exposing a defense that also battled tackling and discipline lapses. Jayden Daniels carved through San Diego for 231 yards and a TD as Washington’s offense exploited gaps created by scheme and misreads, while the Commanders finished with 163 rushing yards. The Chargers’ 10 penalties and a sputtering run defense helped the blowout, but Mack’s return is imminent and could stabilize a unit that needs upgrades beyond the star edge.

Kliff Kingsbury’s attack exposed vulnerabilities in the Chargers’ front and back seven, underscoring their need for upgrades across the defense and depth on the line. San Diego remains in a precarious spot atop the AFC West, especially with a schedule heavy on divisional and high-powered offenses ahead. The good news: Mack isn’t out for the long term, and the front office has cap space and draft capital to pursue fixes, including the secondary and edge depth. Fantasy angles hinge on how quickly the defense stabilizes and which Chargers targets—Johnston, Allen—surge as the offense regroups against tougher foes.