LaddMcConkey

News: 3 days agoMcConkey (ribs) secured all three targets for 35 yards in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

Spin: McConkey gained clearance from his questionable tag due to a rib injury to suit up, and the third-year wideout tied for the team lead in receptions while finishing second in receiving yards. However, it was a lackluster and mistake-filled day overall for the Chargers passing attack, so McConkey's numbers should also be viewed in that context. McConkey should play a critical role as Los Angeles looks to avoid what would be an alarming third straight loss to open the season in a Week 3 road showdown against the Bills next Sunday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McConkey is looking to rebound after falling short of high expectations in 2025. The 2024 second-round pick was terrific as a rookie (82-1,155-7 receiving line and a 12th-place finish among WRs in fantasy points), but dipped to 66-789-6 line and a 30th-place finish last season. Though he ran considerably more routes, saw similar target numbers and was used a lot more near the goal line (seventh among WRs with 12 end zone targets), McConkey's efficiency plummeted, with his catch rate dipping from 74% to 62% and his yards per target from 10.4 to 7.4. The good news is that there's reason for optimism that he'll bounce back, as he has a new playcaller in Mike McDaniel, the Chargers' offense figures to improve with a much healthier line, and Keenan Allen is out of the picture. McConkey, 24, makes for a fine fantasy WR3.