X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Monday Night Football Starts and Sits: Chargers vs Raiders

Week 3’s Monday night matchup turned into a bit of a clunker of a game that had significant fantasy implications for players with Ezekiel Elliott and Jalen Hurts. Dallas handled Philadelphia for a majority of the game and had the result in hand well before the final whistle. Thankfully, we have another shot at a game with big divisional implications for the second week when the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers this Monday night. Like last week, this game could wind up having major playoff implications down the road with the Raiders coming in sporting a 3-0 record and the Chargers sitting at 2-1.

The Raiders have won their first three games with a little bit of luck and a whole lot of passing offense. Las Vegas is leading the league in passing yards (379.7) and total yards (471) per game and is one of seven teams averaging 30 or more points per game. Derek Carr has been stellar through the first three weeks and has picked up the slack in the run game due to the absence of Josh Jacobs. Contributions of Peyton Barber and Kenyan Drake have helped sustain the ground game, but overall Carr is leaning on Darren Waller and a combination of Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards to keep the Raiders atop the AFC West.

Meanwhile, the Chargers are starting to find the success on offense that sustained them last year behind second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. Los Angeles soundly beat the Washington Football Team in Week 1 before losing to Dallas in Week 2. The Chargers were able to secure an impressive conference win against Kansas City in Week 3 thanks to a huge day from Justin Herbert, Mike Williams, and Keenan Allen. The Chargers are only interested in stopping the pass, so this should be an interesting matchup between a team that has a strong secondary and the best passing offense so far in 2021. Below are this week's must-starts, high-upside plays, and players worth benching heading into Week 4’s Monday Night Football matchup.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

Game time: Monday, October 4th at 8:15 pm EST

Game line: Los Angeles -3

Over/Under: 52.5

 

Must Starts

Justin Herbert (QB, LAC)

Justin Herbert effectively silenced all the talk about a sophomore slump in Week 3 against Kansas City. After two weeks of strong passing numbers (70% completion and 775 yards) and modest touchdown totals (two touchdowns), Herbert exploded for 281 passing yards and four touchdowns against Kansas City. The win got him back on track passing and also could be crucial in the divisional standings come playoff time. The continued production of Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler plus the emergence of Mike Williams keeps Herbert in the Weekly QB1 discussion, making him a must-start even against a Raiders’ defense that has only allowed 745 passing yards and two passing touchdowns on the season. Their stats are good, but they haven’t faced a passer with receiving weapons like the Chargers yet this year.

Derek Carr (QB, LVR)

On the other side of the ball, the Raiders’ offense is airing the ball out at a ridiculous pace and riding the efficiency of Derek Carr to a surprising 3-0 start. Carr is completing 64.7% of his passes for a league-leading 1,203 yards and six touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. Even more impressive, his three wins have come against teams that have tough defenses in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Miami. Carr will face another tough challenge against a Chargers team that encourages opposing teams to run the football. Los Angeles has given up just 632 passing yards and four touchdowns on the season with just three interceptions. They are allowing 13.9 fantasy points per week to quarterbacks, the sixth-best mark in the NFL. This game could turn into a shoot-out in a hurry, which means Carr will have to overcome a strong secondary for the fourth straight week. Regardless, he’s a must-start as long as he is moving the ball this efficiently.

Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC)

Austin Ekeler is still trying to reach the ridiculous ceiling that fantasy managers envisioned for him in this year’s drafts, but he’s still extremely valuable, especially in PPR formats. Ekeler has regained his all-purpose role after not seeing a target in Week 1 against Washington (he still had 15 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown that week). In Weeks 2 and 3, Ekeler has combined for 20 carries for 109 yards and added 15 receptions (on 15 targets) for 52 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders are a middle-of-the-road defense against running backs, allowing an average of 19 points per week to the position. They’ve struggled more on the ground (53 carries for 233 yards and three touchdowns) than through the air (13 catches on 20 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown), but they haven’t faced a running back with the usage of Ekeler this season. He’s a must-start once again in Week 4.

Josh Jacobs (RB, LVR)

Jacobs has missed the last two games due to foot and ankle injuries, but there is plenty of optimism in Las Vegas that he will be ready to go Week 4. Jacobs logged a practice on Thursday and Jon Gruden has expressed that he is hopeful Jacobs will be able to play. Last we saw Jacobs, he carried the ball 10 times for 34 yards and two touchdowns while catching one pass for six yards. He looked hobbled by lower-body injuries. Gruden football involves a workhorse running back, so if Jacobs is playing he should be out on the field. The Chargers have had no interest in stopping running backs this year (21.7 points per game, 510 total yards, three touchdowns), so Jacobs should be a startable asset if he’s active. There is a risk of re-aggravation with his injury, so beware of that.

Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)

Lost in the Mike Williams breakout is the fact that Keenan Allen is still a very good and very dependable receiving option in all league formats. Through three games, Allen has been targeted 33 times, including two games in the double-digits. He’s caught at least eight passes twice this season and gone over 100-yards twice this season. The one game he didn’t, he scored his only touchdown. Allen is a must-start every week and is nearly a lock for double-digit points. The Chargers pass enough to support two wide receivers easily each game.

Mike Williams (WR, LAC)

The development of Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has officially unlocked Mike Williams. Being healthy has been a huge advantage for the fifth-year wide receiver as well. Through three games, Williams has been targeted at least nine times per game, caught at least seven passes, had at least 82 yards, and scored at least one touchdown. Williams is seeing huge target totals out of the ‘X’ receiver position that Lombardi used to make Michael Thomas a fantasy force. It is also difficult for teams to take him away thanks to Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. While the Chargers’ passing game is clicking, Williams is a must-start in all formats thanks to his high-floor thanks to volume and his high-ceiling thanks to the red zone targets he gets every week.

Henry Ruggs III (WR, LVR)

Henry Ruggs III has yet to live up to the promise that made him an early first-round pick last season, but there are encouraging signs for him through the first three games of the year. In the last two games, Ruggs has been targeted at least seven times, caught at least four passes, and has at least 78 receiving yards. He’s also gotten two carries for minimal gains. Ruggs is showing that he isn’t just a field stretcher, catching more balls on the sideline and slant patterns through the last two games. The Chargers have been strong against wide receivers this season (13.4 points per week), but all Ruggs needs is a deep shot or a catch in stride to outrun everybody and score massive points. If he’s going to get a consistent five targets a game, he’s worth a FLEX spot.

Darren Waller (TE, LVR)

Waller erupted in his first game against Baltimore (19 targets, 10 receptions, 105 yards, and a touchdown), but has failed to hit that level of production since. Don’t get it wrong though, he’s still a statistical lock at a position that is lacking consistency. In Weeks 2 and 3 combined Waller has 10 catches on 14 targets for 119 yards and zero touchdowns. The development of Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards has cut into his dominating target share, but he is still far and away one of the more productive tight ends in the league. If you drafted him in the second (or third) round of this year’s fantasy drafts, he’s an instant start as long as he’s healthy.

Jared Cook (TE, LAC)

After a strong first week (five catches on eight targets for 56 yards), Jared Cook has settled back into the fourth option in the Los Angeles Chargers’ passing game. Cook has just eight targets, five catches, and 55 yards in his last two weeks against Dallas and Kansas City. Unfortunately, Cook should have had a touchdown against Dallas (it was called back on a penalty) which would make him a more appealing fantasy object. The positive? Cook has seen his snap share rise each week (58% in Week 1, 59% in Week 2, and 70% in Week 3), allowing him to get targets, especially in the red zone with teams keying in on Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The Chargers are giving up 18.2 fantasy points per week and were hit for 100-yards by Travis Kelce last week. If Derwin James is still playing through the injury that happened in Week 3, then Cook may be able to find his way in the end zone, which is all that is needed to secure a top-10 finish at the position.

 

Consider Sitting

Peyton Barber (RB, LVR)

If Josh Jacobs is healthy, it's going to be very difficult for Peyton Barber to return value as even a FLEX option in fantasy lineups. Barber has taken the lead back role with Jacobs out and even had a strong week against Miami in Week 3. Barber rushed 23 times for 111 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions (on five targets) for 31 yards. We haven’t seen a game with Jacobs, Barber, and Kenyan Drake active, making it impossible to predict his role if Jacobs is good to go. Barber is a sit with potential sleeper upside if the Raiders opt to rest Jacobs for one more week.

Donald Parham (TE, LAC)

Donald Parham started getting a lot of hype late in the redraft cycle but so far that hasn’t come to fruition. Despite playing at least 47% of the team’s snaps in 2021, Parham has just two targets, one reception, and 19 yards. The Chargers’ offense has plenty of weapons and they have all managed to stay healthy. Unless something happens to Jared Cook or the wide receivers, Parham isn’t likely to hit much value unless he finds his way into red zone packages.

 

Potential Sleepers

Kenyan Drake (RB, LVR)

The Raiders paid a lot of money to Kenyan Drake to give him a primary pass-catching role. Through three games (two without Josh Jacobs), Drake has just 21 carries for 44 yards. However, during that time he also had 13 receptions on 17 targets for 138 yards, giving him some PPR upside. He surrendered the lead rushing role to Peyton Barber during the time Jacobs was out, defining his role as strictly a third-down back. The Chargers have an explosive passing attack, which could lead to a big day for Drake if the Raiders struggle to keep up early. In PPR leagues, there is a path to Drake having a playable week in fantasy.

Bryan Edwards (WR, LVR)

Bryan Edwards has been up and down in his second season, but he has been an absolute force late in games and in overtime for the Raiders this year. In total, Edwards has 13 targets, 10 receptions, and 210 yards in three weeks. He just missed a touchdown in Week 1, but it is seemingly just a matter of time until he finds the end zone. Edwards has seen his snap share rise each week (66% in Week 1 to 76% in Week 3), which suggests the Raiders are starting to realize his utility in this offense. He’ll always be competing with Waller and Ruggs for catches on the perimeter, but he has the size and skillset to have a big game at any time.

Jalen Guyton (WR, LAC)

Jalen Guyton isn’t a primary option for the Chargers’ passing attack (just eight targets, five receptions, and 62 yards on the season), however, he does have upside as a player who is consistently playing a 60%+ snap share operating as the primary deep threat in Los Angeles. Guyton flashed big-play ability last season (three games with at least 70 receiving yards), but he’s more of a dart throw DFS play than a lineup staple at this point in the fantasy season. Only play him in matchups with the direst straits.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF