Chargers’ COVID-19 dilemma
NOTHING RUINS your fantasy playoff chances like a COVID-19 outbreak and during Week 14 of the NFL season, the final week of the regular season for some and the start of the playoffs for others, we’re taking some serious lumps right now.
The Saints’ backfield is suffering from an outbreak, the Browns have lost two tight ends for this week and the Chargers may have to fend off the Giants without two of their top receiving weapons. The first two haven’t sent the fantasy community into a panic just yet, but the Chargers’ wide receiver issues could very well tilt the balance in your fantasy league unless proper back-ups are secured.
When it was reported Monday that Chargers wideout Keenan Allen tested positive for COVID-19, fantasy owners in need of a Week 14 win felt the rug pulled out from under them. On Friday, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley announced Allen will not play Sunday.
In addition to Allen, teammate Mike Williams was deemed a close-contact and also landed on the reserve/COVID list this past week. Williams, who is unvaccinated, is currently following the league’s protocol for such players and already has received one test which has come up negative. Continued negative tests could have Williams cleared ahead of Sunday’s game, but fantasy owners are going to have to set up contingency plans on the chance they lose him.
The immediate pivots to make remain in-house with the Chargers. Both Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer should be in-line for additional targets should Williams be out. Guyton profiles more as an outside receiver, a player who uses his speed to stretch the field as a deep threat. Palmer seems to be the more versatile player, capable of lining up in the slot and handling a route-tree similar to that of Allen.
The Chargers also have veteran Andre Roberts, who could be in play should Williams be lost. Nevertheless, Guyton and Palmer are still the preferred options should that be the case. If Williams plays, while Guyton has received most of the attention for his recent touchdown catch, Palmer could be the better add.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at Fantasy-Alarm. com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.