Week 5 pits the Chargers against the ailing Commanders with an O-line stretched by injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, and potentially Mekhi Becton stepping inside. LA has yet to upgrade interior protection, leaving Herbert exposed as depth behind the starters is exposed. Omarion Hampton is flashing in a small sample, matching the early grade of Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty and hinting at a larger role if Najee Harris remains out. Trade chatter links LA to Nick Chubb or Tyler Conklin to juice the offense. Washington’s improving health raises the stakes.

Rosters and rumors aside, the matchup tests Tampa-like resilience: a revamped backfield, uncertain interior protection, and a defense wary of big plays. Fantasy managers should monitor minutes-by-injury and the potential ripple effects of any midseason moves, especially if LA leans on Khobi-like depth or a new pass-catcher to complement Herbert.

Chargers add a bevy of pass-catching options around Justin Herbert, with Keenan Allen anchoring a revamped group alongside Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and a hopeful third-year leap from Quentin Johnston. Rookie Ladd McConkey has shouldered much of the early passing workload, while the tight end room has stalled behind Tyler Conklin and Oronde Gadsden II, who has out-snapped Conklin after Will Dissly’s injury. A Week 4 loss to the Giants exposed gaps, and LA now leans on Herbert’s ceiling as Tuipulotu provides a bright spot and Mack battles back from IR. The fantasy takeaway: expect week-to-week volatility in the receiving corps, with McConkey and Allen offering steady upside and Johnston maturing into a bigger role as the TE situation remains in flux.

Oronde Gadsden II stepped into the Chargers’ TE role with a Week 3 breakout, reeling in five passes for 46 yards in a win over Denver. With Will Dissly sidelined by a knee issue, Gadsden is slated for a larger Week 4 workload, competing with Tyler Conklin for targets. If the rookie continues producing, he could lock into a flexible TE/offensive weapon role in LA’s passing game, offering weekly upside for fantasy managers.