Los Angeles Chargers vs Miami Dolphins
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterbacks
- Philip Rivers: 24/30, 310 yards, 2 TDs
- Tyrod Taylor: 1/1, 7 yards | 4 carries, -1 yard
Philip Rivers had a quietly effective day racking up short and intermediate completions on his way to 300 yards and two touchdowns. He showed some surprising mobility by extending a few plays long enough to help his check-down options get open, including his touchdown pass to Troymaine Pope where Rivers rolled left and drew in the defender nearest to Pope before completing the pass for an easy touchdown. Rivers continues to be a viable streaming option, especially in favorable matchups. Tyrod Taylor took a snap in wildcat formation early in the game, but his other work came after the game was already decided and Rivers had been pulled.
Running Backs
- Austin Ekeler: 18 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD | 5 targets, 5 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
- Troymaine Pope: 10 carries, 20 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 14 yards, 1 TD
With Melvin Gordon ending his holdout, this was likely the last game for Austin Ekeler as the lead back, and he made a compelling case to remain involved once Gordon takes over. Ekeler was solid as a runner but did most of his damage in the passing game, both out of the backfield and lined up as a traditional receiver. There were a few players where Ekeler was lined up out wide while Troymaine Pope was in the backfield, which should be a good sign for how the chargers plan to incorporate Ekeler and Gordon together. Ekeler should remain at least a flex play with Gordon back, especially if the Chargers look to work Gordon back in slowly for the next several weeks. Gordon himself was active today but did not see a snap.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Keenan Allen: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 48 yards
- Dontrelle Inman: 7 targets, 5 receptions, 76 yards
- Andre Patton: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 22 yards
- Lance Kendricks: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 37 yards
Keenan Allen was the focus of a lot of defensive attention from the Dolphins which led to a quiet day. It was encouraging to see the Chargers draw up several plays for him even when the defense was doing everything it could to limit him, and it should mean that games like today are the absolute floor for Allen. Dontrelle Inman filled in for the injured duo of Mike Williams and Travis Benjamin and was having a very impressive game before leaving with a quad injury. Inman was mostly the beneficiary of Allen drawing all the coverage, but if the other receivers continue to miss time Inman is worth keeping an eye on. Lance Kendricks was the tight end the Chargers utilized the most, but it appears that until Hunter Henry returns the Chargers will send most of his vacated targets to the running backs.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
- Josh Rosen: 17/24, 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Josh Rosen did not get a lot of help from his pass-catchers today, but his offensive line was giving him a lot of time to throw and he was still mostly unable to do anything. He did make a nice throw to an open DeVante Parker in stride for a touchdown and a few nice throws to Preston Williams, but he also threw a terrible interception on a throw he seemed to lose his handle on as it came out of his hand. Rosen was also lucky to avoid a safety when he decided to hold the ball too long and took a sack just outside his own end zone. It seems likely that the Dolphins will be in a position to take whichever college quarterback they prefer come draft season, and Rosen did nothing to change that plan today.
Running Backs
- Kenyan Drake: 9 carries, 44 yards | 5 targets, 3 receptions, 29 yards
- Mark Walton: 6 carries, 23 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 11 yards
- Kalen Ballage: 2 carries, 7 yards | 1 target
Kenyan Drake looked fast on almost all of his touches today, but for some reason, the Dolphins got away from giving him the ball. Drake had several runs where he just outran the defenders and was effective on several screen passes. If he gets traded to a team that can provide him with more consistent work, as well as some type of touchdown upside, he could be a valuable fantasy asset but for now, it is hard to trust him with how poorly the Dolphins offense is performing. Kalen Ballage had a terrible drop in the red zone, and it seemed like after that he was benched in favor of Mark Walton. Walton was fine, but neither player has much fantasy value while Drake remains with the team.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- DeVante Parker: 4 targets, 4 receptions, 70 yards, 1 TD
- Preston Williams: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 46 yards
- Jakeem Grant: 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards
- Nick O’Leary: 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
DeVante Parker is still fast and got himself open for a 34-yard touchdown that gave the Dolphins their first lead of the season. Preston Williams paced the team in targets but did have a bad drop when it appeared he was unwilling to take a hit to make a catch. Other than the drop Williams was impressive, making two catches off of deflected passes and trying to use his size to present an easy target. Both receivers have some value since the Dolphins find themselves in passing situations often, but it is hard to trust either with how Josh Rosen has looked. Of the two, Williams is drawing more targets and appears to be Rosen’s preferred target near the goal line so he would be the one to own if you have to pick one.
— Dan Adams