Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, December 19th, 2024, 8:15PM ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Network: Prime Video
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: Streaming Option, QB2
The fantasy stats were there, to an extent, for Bo Nix in Sunday’s 31-13 win over the Colts. The rookie completed 20 of 33 attempts for just 130 yards and managed to throw for three touchdowns and three interceptions; he also had 23 rushing yards on eight carries. That makes it five interceptions in his last two games – Week 14 was a BYE for Denver – and Nix owns a 20:11 passing touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio heading into a pivotal Thursday Night Football slate against the Chargers. Even on a short week, Nix does offer streaming potential here.
Back in Week 6, Nix completed 19 of 33 attempts for 216 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against these same Chargers, adding 61 yards on the ground off six carries. And it’s worth noting that just last week, LAC allowed Baker Mayfield to complete 22 of 27 attempts for 288 yards, four TDs, and one INT.
Running Back
Javonte Williams: Sit
Jaleel McLaughlin: Sit
Audric Estime: Sit
Per FantasyData, Javonte Williams dominated the snap count share last week against Indianapolis, with 34 to his name compared to Jaleel McLaughlin’s 15 and Audric Estime’s 13. McLaughlin did exit the game early with a quad injury and, at the time of writing, was marked as DNP in Monday’s estimated practice report.
Against the Colts, Williams laid a dud against a beatable run defense, turning six carries into 15 scoreless yards, and caught two of three receptions for eight yards. Estime didn’t offer much himself after McLaughlin left injured, rushing for 13 yards on five carries, catching one target for five yards.
The thinking here is simple: look for other backs to start this week, and don’t rely on Williams if you find yourself in a Semifinal playoff matchup.
Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton: Start, WR2
Devaughn Vele: Sit
Marvin Mims Jr: Sit
A late touchdown ultimately saved Courtland Sutton’s fantasy day, as he ended up catching just three of nine targets for 32 yards and the score against the Colts. Sutton and Nix were clearly off from one another in this game, but it was encouraging to see Sutton continue to dominate the target share. Dating back to Week 8, Sutton has seen no less than eight targets a game, and over the last three, he has totaled 28 in that span. Continue to lean on Sutton as a high-floor WR2 against a Chargers defense that just allowed Mike Evans to torch them for 159 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions.
Both Devaughn Vele and Marvin Mims Jr. won’t be recommended starts this week.
Tight End
Adam Trautman: Sit
Adam Trautman was on the receiving end of one of Nix’s touchdowns, but he otherwise totaled 20 yards on the day with one more reception. Nate Adkins is the same, but he had just one catch for 15 yards. Neither Denver TE is worthy of a spot on your roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: Sit
The Chargers got beat up by Tampa Bay last week, and Justin Herbert played a part in the lopsided loss. He completed 21 of 33 attempts for just 195 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He reaggravated his nagging ankle injury for a brief moment, but early-week practice estimations suggest he will be fine to start this game. That said, should he be in your starting lineup? Even with Patrick Surtain II suffering a minor ankle sprain of his own, I would be hard-pressed to start Herbert in this one; if you can afford to sit him, do so.
Running Back
Gus Edwards: Sit
Kimani Vidal: Sit
The LAC backfield offered much of nothing in the one-sided affair last week. Gus Edwards rushed for 23 scoreless yards on eight carries, and rookie Kimani Vidal had nine yards off three carries, catching two of three targets for 13 yards. Vidal actually had a stronghold on the snap percentage per FantasyData, with a 67.3% ownership compared to Edwards’ 26.9% and Scott Matlock’s 21.2%.
Denver is allowing the 20th most fantasy points to opposing RBs on the year, and given that this game is on a Thursday night, it would be wise to avoid Edwards and Vidal if you can.
Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey: Start, WR2
Quentin Johnston: FLEX Option, WR3/4
Ladd McConkey missed Week 14 but came back in Week 15 to catch five of seven targets for 58 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay. He avoided any re-injuries and should remain a viable target of Herbert’s against a blitz-happy Denver defense. Quentin Johnston does offer FLEX appeal, as he has 17 total targets and 10 receptions in his last two games, with one touchdown in each game, but McConkey is the featured option in this passing game whenever he’s healthy.
Tight End
Stone Smartt: Streaming Option, TE2
With Will Dissly likely sidelined again due to a shoulder injury suffered in Week 14, Stone Smartt will continue to take on the TE1 reigns in his absence. Last week, he caught five of six targets for 50 yards and could offer streaming appeal again if you find yourself desperate at the position.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)