As I explored in a previous article, having a strong offensive line is important for an RB to achieve fantasy production. Typically, having an entire side of the line (right or left) performing at a high level (above NFL average) will increase RB fantasy output by 0.1 points per rush. Naturally, having the entire line playing at this level amounts to an increase of 0.2 points per rush. In saying this, with one of the top rookie fantasy prospects in the NFL, Omarion Hampton, it is important to check out his O-line going into year one to see what we can expect.
The Chargers’ line was middle of the pack last season, with two of their five linemen outperforming the average in fantasy points per carry per lead block. Unfortunately, these high-performing parts of the line are on opposite sides, which isn’t of much aid to Hampton.
If we look back on their 2024 season, the Chargers’ top back only posted 194 points on the season, putting the line at 17th in fantasy production rate.
But maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem; let’s take a look at the Chargers’ O-line with the help of PFF grades.
LT Rashawn Slater – 82.3 run block grade
LG Zion Johnson – 64.2 run block grade
C Bradley Bozeman – 61 run block grade
RG Mekhi Becton – 70.8 run block grade
RT Joe Alt – 75.9 run block grade
Noticeably, the Chargers’ line is bookmarked by two strong run blockers — Alt, who was a rookie last season, and Slater, who posted a grade over 80, ranking him as the 7th best run blocking LT in the league. The major signing is Mekhi Becton, whom they stole from the Eagles. Per ESPN, the Chargers were among the bottom of the league in interior line run block win rate, so the signing of Becton truly addresses their most significant issue in the trenches. In addition, the Chargers signed center Andre James, who boasts a 55.6 run block grade. James was beaten out for the starting job in Las Vegas last season, but he does add some depth to an interior line that needs help. With the moves LAC made, and the likelihood of Slater outperforming his previous year’s performance, as evidenced by his average fantasy points per lead block being just below the mean, the Chargers’ line could do some damage.
On top of all this, we have legendary coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, and without a doubt, Harbaugh is going to run the ball. Last season, even with a run success rate below 50%, the Chargers still ran the ball on 79% of their offensive snaps. This is a team that is going to feed their rookie back. However, there is a slight concern about the signing of Najee Harris and what this means for Hampton’s touches. Last season, Harbaugh ran a very split backfield, giving lead back JK Dobbins only 42% of carries. This means it is quite likely Najee and Hampton will split touches, at the very least, early on.
Be cautious at the beginning of the season, but Hampton is definitely a safe bet to perform in LA this season behind what appears to be a stout offensive line.
from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/lLrzFdU
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