Empty the Bench

Take well-educated gambles. Start high-reward, high-risk players from time to time over the safer, lower-upside option. Play the matchups. Play to win.

With that in mind, this week we’re going out on (somewhat of) a limb and naming the beleagured San Diego Chargers DEF as our top unit of the week, despite their overall poor fantasy resume so far this season. Heading into their home matchup this weekend against the Oakland Raiders, the Chargers DEF ranks 18th overall in ETB’s scoring format. They’ve allowed an average of 23.8 points per (21st in the NFL), and while they’re towards the head of the pack in total interceptions (7), Shawne Merriman and the once feared pass rush have recorded just 11 sacks; only the Chiefs, Texans, Jets, and Jaguars have less.

In other words, they’ve been mediocre at best… but the Raiders offense has been even worse.

The Raiders are one of two teams (the rack-less Rams being the other) averaging less than 10 points per game with 8.9. Puke. They can’t run the ball, and they certainly can’t pass the ball; their 128 yards per through the air ranks dead last in the NFL. Now, the Raiders’ best offensive performance thus far actually came in Week 1 against these Chargers when they scored 20 points and sort of had the look of a decent, improving offense. It was a mirage. Since then they’ve posted just 2 TDs and a small handful of FGs.

The Chargers offense is rolling. They’re at home. JaMarcus Russell, “the starting QB,” and Bruce Gradkowski, “the backup QB,” are both terrible and turnover-prone. Start the Chargers DEF with confidence.

See also:
- Week 8 QB Rankings
- Week 8 RB Rankings
- Week 8 WR Ranks
- Week 8 TE Rankings

1. San Diego Chargers vs. OAK
2. Chicago Bears vs. CLE
3. Arizona Cardinals vs. CAR
4. Minnesota Jared Allens @ GB
5. Indianapolis Colts vs. SF
6. Dallas Cowboys vs. SEA
7. New Orleans Saints vs. ATL
8. Denver Broncos @ BAL
9. Baltimore Ravens vs. DEN
10. Green Bay Packers vs. MIN
11. Philadelphia Eagles vs. NYG
12. New York Giants @ PHI
13. New York Jets vs. MIA
14. Miami Dolphins @ NYJ
15. Jacksonville Jaguars @ TEN

Possibly Related Content:

1. Fantasy Football – Week 11 Defense Rankings


2. Fantasy Football – Week 9 Defense Rankings


3. Fantasy Football – Week 4 Defense Rankings


4. Fantasy Football – Week 14 Defense Rankings


5. Fantasy Football – Week 13 Defense Rankings