OmarionHampton

News: 3 days agoHampton played four snaps on offense and didn't show up in the box score otherwise during the Chargers' 20-18 preseason loss to the Rams on Thursday.

Spin: Hampton was on the field for the Chargers' first two offensive drives but did get a touch in Thursday's preseason finale. The 2025 first-rounder was limited to nine regular-season games in his rookie campaign due mostly to a fractured left ankle but still finished with 124 carries for 545 yards and four touchdowns while adding 32 catches (on 35 targets) for 192 yards and a score. Hampton is the lead back for the Chargers, but Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell (undisclosed) both figure to see a fair amount of work in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Hampton is primed for a breakout second season following an impressive but injury-shortened rookie campaign. The first-round pick was busy during nine appearances, averaging 13.8 carries and 3.9 targets. He scored five touchdowns, averaged 15.1 fantasy points per game (13th best) and ranked third among backs in forced missed tackle rate, per PFF. With Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell as his primary competition, Hampton has a clear path to lead rusher duties in 2026, and his targets only figure to increase with Greg Roman out and Mike McDaniel in as the team's playcaller. Add in a much-improved offensive line with star tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back healthy, and Hampton has nothing short of elite upside. Value him as a fringe RB1 with room for more.