Fantasy Scouting Report: San Diego Chargers

Bolts from the Blue likes the matchup against a Steelers defense that has been generous with the passing yards.

Philip Rivers – With the Steelers giving up more than 270 passing yards per game, and the Charger having the #2 ranked passing offense in the league, this one is a no-brainer. Darren Sproles hasn’t had much success as a #1 RB and LaDainian Tomlinson will be back but still not 100%. Expect Rivers to throw a ton and rack up huge yards.

Antonio Gates – Troy Polamalu will not play on Sunday night, which is music to Gates’ ears. Last year Polamalu gave Antonio fits in a way that few players can. Gates will be his usual self, a reliable 3rd down and red zone target, on Sunday and could have a huge game if Pittsburgh calls for a lot of blitzes.

Vincent Jackson – Just start him every week at this point. VJ has started the season on fire (averaging over 100 yards per game) and will get his looks against the Steelers as well. If the Chargers have trouble moving the chains and keeping drives alive, they will switch their gameplan to “throw as many deep passes to Vincent Jackson as possible.”
Chargers Defense – The Chargers have four very dangerous players in the secondary that could pick off any pass thrown near them. Willie Parker’s turf-toe injury will force Ben Roethlisberger to throw it against the Bolts early and often. I expect at least one interception and wouldn’t be surprised by two or three picks. Antonio Cromartie, Antoine Cason and Eric Weddle are all threats to score once they get their hands on the ball.

Charge on over to Bolts from the Blue for San Diego news. (You didn’t think I would actually use the ‘charge on over’ lame pun, did you?)