It’s officially playoff push season, and every game matters for the Jaguars and Chargers. The Jaguars have shocked a lot of teams this year with gritty wins and unexpected breakout performances, but they come into this matchup missing a few key stars. The Chargers, meanwhile, are heating up at the right time and have the talent to keep rolling… if they don’t take Jacksonville lightly.
Expect sharp quarterback play, heavy WR involvement, and matchup-swinging big plays in a game that will influence AFC seeding.
🚑 Injury Watch
• Brian Thomas Jr. — Questionable
It could end up a game-time decision. Monitor closely.
• Oronde Gadsden II — Full Participant
He’s good to go and profiles as a strong fantasy option this week.
📊 Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Rating | Notes |
| Justin Herbert (QB) | LAC | Start | ⭐ | Two TD potential vs JAX secondary |
| Ladd McConkey (WR) | LAC | Start | ⭐ | Red-hot; strong chance to score |
| Oronde Gadsden II (TE) | LAC | Start | 👍 | Healthy + high-volume matchup |
| Quentin Johnston (WR) | LAC | Flex | 💪 | 16 targets last 2 weeks; trending up |
| Kimani Vidal (RB) | LAC | Flex | 💪 | Tough run matchup but reliable volume |
| Brian Thomas Jr. (WR) | JAX | Sit/Monitor | ⚠️ | Only start if declared fully active |
| Jaguars RBs | JAX | Sit | ⚠️ | Tough matchup; unclear usage |
| Jags/Chargers D/ST | — | Sit | ⚠️ | Too many explosive weapons in this game |
⚡️ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Start ’Em
START: Justin Herbert – QB
Herbert’s resurgence this season has been awesome to watch. Surrounded by explosive young weapons and playing with confidence, he draws a Jaguars defense that struggles with vertical concepts and deep digs. Expect Herbert to find the end zone twice and deliver another strong fantasy outing.
McConkey Doesn’t get Why Herbert isn’t mentioned in the MVP Race via Fox News
START: Ladd McConkey – WR
McConkey has rewarded fantasy managers (especially those who stuck with him through slow weeks—respect to you). He’s become Herbert’s most trusted separator and gets juicy matchups this week. Expect a TD and strong yardage.
START: Oronde Gadsden II – TE
Gadsden continues to be a major bright spot at TE this season and steps back in fully healthy. The Jaguars have been vulnerable against athletic TEs, making this a high-floor, high-usage spot.
Quentin Johnson or Juwan Johnson via Roto Baller
FLEX: Quentin Johnston – WR
💪 After a slow start to the season, Johnston is turning a corner. 16 targets over the last two weeks show he’s becoming essential to this passing attack. Herbert is looking his way in high-value situations—making Johnston a strong flex play.
FLEX: Kimani Vidal – RB
💪 Vidal has run hard and consistently produced, but the Jaguars have been one of the best teams against the run this season. The volume keeps him flex-worthy, but expectations should be tempered. He’s a solid floor player.
🐆 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Start ’Em / Sit ’Em
MONITOR: Brian Thomas Jr. – WR
He’s a true game-time call. If he’s active and not limited, he’s worth a WR2/Flex start.
If he’s limited or on a snap count → bench him.
SIT: Jaguars RBs
The Chargers front has been surprisingly stout, and Jacksonville’s backfield is split and inconsistent. This is a full avoidance unless injuries force usage.
SIT: Jaguars D/ST
Herbert + McConkey firing… Gadsden healthy… Johnston heating up…Not the matchup to gamble on.
SIT: Chargers D/ST
The Jaguars still have explosive playmakers even with injuries, and their offensive pace will create total-yard risk for the Chargers’ D.
🏁 Final Call
With Herbert hot, the Chargers are poised to control this matchup, but the Jaguars have enough grit and scheme versatility to keep this interesting. Fantasy managers should expect strong WR/TE production, limited run game value, and plenty of passing fireworks.
