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The coming weeks could be important for Ladd McConkey

Posted on by Bobb
The coming weeks could be important for Ladd McConkey

How many Jim Harbaughs does it take to install a light bulb? We’re going to guess one thing, but it might take him half a season to turn on the lights.

With eight games remaining in the 2024 campaign (for most teams), the Harbaugh-led Chargers offense has been operating in the dark for the most part. They have allowed the sixth-most points, third-most touchdowns, second-most plays and fifth-fewest passing yards on the fourth-fewest attempts.

The passing wasn’t great, but the running wasn’t great either. They rank in the bottom half in rushing attempts (20th) and rushing yards (24th) and rank sixth in yards per attempt.

However, they are 4-3 in the midst of the playoff race and have what many believe is the quarterback with the highest potential in Justin Herbert.

So what’s the delay? Why were the prospects so dim? Well, because they are slow, methodical and often ineffective – especially on the ground.

While their rushing numbers aren’t impressive, much of their passing stats can be attributed to tempo and thus a lack of opportunity. But when the Chargers throw, they aren’t terrible. They rank 17th in yards per attempt. Moreover, Justin Herbert has an 8:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, second only to Josh Allen (14-1).

There’s nothing crazy about it, but their average (or better) passing efficiency numbers hint at more potential than their bottom-tier results reflect so far.

Part of this may be due to the acting and pacing. And part of this may be due to the lack of reliable receiving options, a disadvantage that can also affect play and tempo.

But what if this inadequacy was eliminated? What if they found a reliable target in the passing game? What if that coincided with a lightbulb going off in Harbaugh’s head and he had the enlightened thought, “Wait, my quarterback is Justin Herbert?”

Ladd McConkey (right) is congratulated by fellow receiver Joshua Palmer (5) after scoring a touchdown in the Chargers’ Week 8 win over the Saints. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

This lightbulb idea is conveyed to Harbaugh by rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

The Georgia WR, a second-round pick in April, has had a modest start to his career. Through his first six games, he has 24 receptions and 265 yards on 39 targets with two touchdowns, averaging 10.4 fantasy points per game in PPR formats.

It’s not a good thing, WR45 is coming out in week eight. He then rushed for 111 yards on six catches and two touchdowns. He’s now a WR22.

Yeah, yeah. We hear you naysayers chanting the usual Mad Man refrain: “It’s just one week.” There is broader evidence that suggests the game may be an anomaly. And that’s true, but also…

More Ladd makes sense. Less than Ladd. That’s why this game had to be a light bulb moment for the Chargers. Because as much as we root for running back J.C. Dobbins, Herbert is their best player, so more about Herbert makes sense. Less than Herbert.

Justin Herbert looks to throw a pass during a game earlier this season. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Once you get past this less-than-amazing revelation, take a look at the Chargers’ upcoming schedule. It includes average or worse fantasy WR defenses from the Titans, Bengals, Ravens, Falcons, Buccaneers and Lions, plus a tough Week 14 showdown with the Chiefs mixed in. . turned into a shootout with Jameis Winston now running the Cleveland offense.

Harbaugh is a coach who has had multiple successes at multiple levels. We know that coaches can be stubborn and persistent, but those who consistently achieve success do not shine a light on good ideas.

More Ladd is a good idea. And we think Harbaugh will keep that light on.

Big weeks

Joe Flacco QB, Colts, to Vikings (FanDuel $7,000/DraftKings $5,700)

He performed well as Anthony Richardson’s replacement earlier this season, averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game. But two of them were against good defenses (Steelers, Titans). He scored 26.6 points against the Jaguars and could do something similar against Minnesota.

Cade Otton TE, Buccaneers, to Chiefs ($6,100 FED/4,500 DKK)

So we don’t need to mention it again: we plan to run Otto regularly, at least until Mike Evans returns. And this week he faces the worst defense in the league against fantasy tight ends.

Cade Otton celebrates his touchdown during the Buccaneers’ Week 8 loss to the Falcons. AP

Sam LaPorta TE, Lions, Packers ($6,300 US/4,800 DK)

It’s no coincidence that he had season highs in goals, receptions and fantasy points last week, as Jameson Williams was suspended. Williams is out again this week. Enjoy LaPorta circa 2023 while you can.

Mike Gesicki TE, Bengals vs. Raiders (FD $5,400/DK $3,100)

WR Tee Higgins was downgraded to questionable for Sunday on Friday. When Higgins isn’t working, Gesicki is feasting.

Little weaknesses

Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks vs. Rams (FD $7,400/DK $5,800)

Top receiver DK Metcalf is out again with a knee injury. Smith struggled last week without him – 212 passing yards, zero touchdowns, one INT. Don’t be surprised if Smith flops again against the Rams.

Jayden Reed (WR), Packers vs. Lions ($7,300 USD/6,400 DKK)

If QB Jordan Love plays, we expect him to be limited by a groin injury. This could ruin a great opportunity to run a shootout against one of the most generous defenses against fantasy WRs.

Jaden Reed reacts after catching a pass during the Packers’ Week 6 win over the Rams. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Zay Flowers (WR), Ravens vs. Broncos ($7,200 USD/7,000 DKK)

We’re not sure what role the newly acquired Diontae Johnson will play. Flowers has three single-digit games this year. The Broncos are a tough opponent. Lots of warning signs.

TJ Hockenson TE, Vikings vs. Colts (FD $5,600/DK $5,200)

First game since an anterior cruciate ligament injury last season. We want to see him show us a thing or two before we go back to wholesale. You’ve waited so long, it makes more sense to wait at least one more week.

Betting on the NFL?

Daily Duel Insanity

Drew Loftis and Jarad Wilk present dueling lineups for DFS competition:

Website: FanDuel
Slate: Sun. main (13 games)
Type: $15 tournament
Main prize: 200 thousand dollars
Pot: $1.2 million

Team Drew

QB: Sam Darnold, Min (vs. India) $7,500

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Indiana (minimum) $8,200

RB: Alexander Mattison, LV (at Cin) $5,900

WR: Justin Jefferson, Min (vs. Indiana) $9,200

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Indiana (minimum) $5,800

WR: Ladd McConkey, LAC (in Cle) – $6,400.

TE: Evan Engram, Jacques (at Phi) $6,400

Flex Option: Mike Gesicki, Shin (vs. LV) $5,400

DEF: Saints, NO (in car) $5,000.

Wilk’s Warriors

QB: Joe Flacco, Indiana (minimum) $7,000

RB: Kyren Williams, LAR (at sea) – $8,900.

RB: Chase Brown, Sin (vs. LW) $6,300

WR: AJ Brown, Phi (vs. Jax) $9,000

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Indiana (minimum) $5,800

WR: Ladd McConkey, LAC (in Cle) – $6,400.

TE: Hunter Henry, Nevada (at ten) $5,500

Flex Option: Aaron Jones, Min (vs. Indiana) $7,500

DEF: Giants, New York (vs. Wes) $3,200

Late lineup changes, check @NYPost_Loftis on X And @nypfantasymadman in topics

The season is at risk: US$120
Season wins: Drew $180, Jarad $113.50.