The biggest question for every Fantasy owner when it comes to the Chargers is about running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Once considered the best Fantasy option and a lock as a Top 5 pick, Tomlinson has fallen out of the first round in some mock drafts this offseason. The combination of Tomlinson's age (30), the fact that the team used its franchise tag on running back Darren Sproles and that San Diego has developed a tremendous passing attack have convinced many that L.T. is finished as an elite player.
Well, don't give up on Tomlinson just yet. He's still a candidate for 1,500 total yards, which he had in last season's down year. He's still a candidate for 12-plus touchdowns, a mark he also reached last season. And reports this offseason are that Tomlinson has looked in great shape and healthy following last year's toe and groin problems. He's still worth drafting in the Top 10 and has at least one more productive season left.
As for the Chargers passing game, it's going to thrive, but don't be surprised if there's a slight letdown. Philip Rivers was amazing last year with 4,009 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He's always been an accurate passer, but his 65 percent completion rate was a new high. He was asked to throw more last season with the running game woes and the defensive struggles, but if Tomlinson can bounce back as expected and the team injects Sproles more into the rotation, Rivers' stats could decline. He's still a No. 1 option -- and Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers and Antonio Gates should all play well -- but asking him to be a Top 5 quarterback again could be a tall order. The defense should also improve with linebacker Shawne Merriman coming back from a knee injury to provide a much-needed pass rush.
Sleeper ... Chris Chambers, WR
Chambers was expected to take the next step in his career last year playing in a strong passing offense and with a quarterback the caliber of Rivers. He started out strong with four touchdowns in his first three games before suffering an ankle sprain in Week 5 and never regaining his form. He finished the year with just 33 catches for 462 yards, his career-worst totals, and five scores. Chambers will be in a contract year in 2009, so a big year would land him a new deal next offseason. That should motivate him to play well and be a key contributor in the Chargers' offense. Vincent Jackson has assumed the No. 1 wide receiver role and Antonio Gates and the running backs are key members of the passing game, but Chambers has too much talent to get overlooked by Rivers and coach Norv Turner. He's going to fall in drafts, and you can grab him as a No. 3 or even No. 4 option, which is tremendous value. Don't be surprised if Chambers supplants Jackson or even Gates as the No. 1 target.
Breakout ... Darren Sproles, RB
The Chargers gave Sproles the franchise tag for a reason and not to just carry LaDainian Tomlinson's bags as a backup option. He's going to get his share of touches, and don't be surprised to see Tomlinson and Sproles line up on the field together. Sproles showed his abilities in last year's playoffs when he had 22 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts and five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. He should be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy running back coming into the season or even a No. 2 option in leagues where receptions count. And if Tomlinson falters again, Sproles will assume the starting spot and should dominate like he did in the playoffs. Remember, Sproles is playing for a new contract to try and become the next Michael Turner. While that's at least one season from happening, he does have great value with a mid-round pick.
Bust ... Antonio Gates, TE
We started to see Gates decline last year when he had 60 catches for 704 yards and eight touchdowns, his lowest totals since his rookie season in 2003. Part of that was playing through hip, ankle and toe injuries all season, something that still could bother him coming into this year. But we also saw Chambers emerge early in the season and Jackson develop throughout the year. Add Tomlinson and Sproles into the mix, and Gates has to share the ball with a lot of people. As good as Rivers is at finding Gates, his stats last year could become the norm. Now, we still value Gates as a No. 1 Fantasy option and even a Top 5 tight end because of his ability to score. But he's not the No. 1 option anymore and could slip further down the rankings if players like Greg Olsen, Dustin Keller and Owen Daniels continue to emerge. You should still draft Gates if he falls to you with a mid-round pick, but don't be the guy who drafts Gates ahead of Dallas Clark or Jason Witten, because those players have better outlooks this season.
Training camp topics
The Chargers have to figure out how to maximize the talents of Tomlinson and Sproles and getting them on the field together. They also have to find more running room with the offensive line and fullback because losing Lorenzo Neal last year was a huge detriment. Jackson, Chambers and Gates also have to prove they can still carry the passing attack so Rivers doesn't suffer a letdown, and finding a third receiver like Malcom Floyd or former first-round pick Craig Davis would help. Legedu Naanee is also in the mix for the No. 3 job.
The Chargers benefit from playing in the weak AFC West, which helps their offense, but if the defense improves as expected with the healthy return of linebacker Merriman (knee), this team should be a Super Bowl contender. They also need cornerback Antonio Cromartie to return at a Pro Bowl level after last year's down season, but the key for the Chargers and Fantasy owners will be Tomlinson's revival. If he can return to an elite level, this team will thrive. The passing game is in place, but the Chargers know they need a balanced attack to become a true title contender.
Injury update ... LaDainian Tomlinson (Groin; considered probable to start training camp) ... Antonio Gates (Ankle, toe; considered probable to start training camp)
Are you ready for the 2009 Fantasy season? If not, we're here for you. Send us an e-mail at DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. We'll respond to as many as we can.
