The San Diego Chargers had a big performance against the Lions on Sunday and players like Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Ladarius Green and Stevie Johnson were the best fantasy football performers for quarterback Philip Rivers. The Chargers has a great offensive game and they will be looking to go to 2-0 next week.
The Chargers came into the season with high expectations after just missing the playoffs last year and while the defense needs some work, the offensive side of the ball did not miss a beat in Week 1. Rivers finished the game against the Lions with 404 yards and two touchdowns while completing 35 of his 42 passes on the day. Rivers had two picks, but they did not stop the Chargers from winning, as they were able to storm back against the Lions and then hold off a late comeback for the opening week win.
Keenan Allen came into the season as the number one receiver for the Chargers and he showed why on Sunday, making 15 catches for 166 yards against the Lions. Allen is a good PPR option for teams and while he did not get into the endzone, those should come for the speedy Allen, who has 12 TD catches over the last two seasons. Allen's yards were down last year compared to his rookie season, but after getting off to this start, Allen is on track to have a big year with Rivers.
The Chargers have two solid backs in Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead and both players are worth using this season. Gordon had one more touch than Woodhead and that split could continue for the backs. Woodhead is a better receiver and Gordon comes in as the better natural runner. Gordon had 51 yards in the game and he also added three catches for 16 yards. Woodhead had two touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 42 yards while added four catches for 20 yards. Rivers and the Chargers love using their backs in the passing game and that makes Woodhead a good PPR option.
Stevie Johnson is worth a flier in deeper leagues, as he had six catches for 82 yards and a TD for the Chargers. Johnson was not healthy last season and he could be a breakout option for the Chargers. Green is also worth a look until Antonio Gates returns, as he had five catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the win for the Chargers.
The Chargers are also dealing with an injury to DJ Fluker and it could be a big one if he is out for an extended period of time. Fluker was a first round pick and he has only missed one game in his career and the injury happened after he had his leg rolled up on by a Lions player. NFL.com is reporting that the injury is a high ankle sprain and while that will keep Fluker out for around a month, it is better than what was originally thought. Fluker looked like he had a more serious injury, possibly a tear, but either way, it will be a loss for the Chargers up front.
Check here for more on the Chargers and the Week 1 win over the Lions.
