Even with top receivers returning, Chargers face tough task vs. unbeaten Chiefs
The Chargers will have Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston back on the field, but will it be enough to help the winless Chargers counter Patrick Mahomes?
WR · LAC · 25 yrs · exp 3 · TCU
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The Chargers will have Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston back on the field, but will it be enough to help the winless Chargers counter Patrick Mahomes?
The Chargers will have two key receivers back for Sunday's game against the Chiefs
The Chargers will have two key receivers back for Sunday's game against the Chiefs
Chargers WRs Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston were limited to begin Week 6
Five teams entered Week 5 with an 0-4 record, no two more surprising than the Texans and the Chargers . Both playoff staples of the past few years, they were trying to take the first step in joining the 1992 Chargers as the only teams to start 0-4 and make the postseason. One succeeded. The Texans thumped the inept Titans 26-3. The other failed. The Chargers fell 23-17 to the Broncos in an eyesore of a game. Neither Bo Nix nor Justin Herbert reached 125 yards passing. The Broncos' 224 yards of offense were the second-fewest in a win this season. The difference was turnovers. The Broncos forced three -- awful fumbles by Herbert and Charlie Kolar and a terrible pick by Herbert -- and turned that into 13 points. A fourth "turnover," a turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter, set the stage for the collapse. The Chargers had actually scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 17-10 lead. Their possessions after that? Three and out, turnover on downs, fumble, interception, end of game. The Chargers lead the NFL with 13 turnovers this season, and they've come in all shapes and sizes. Simply put, it's over. It might have been over for a while, but this absolutely drives the point home in more ways than one. Not only is it over in terms of competitive football, but, with the trade deadline less than a month away, it's over in terms of what the next big goals should be for this organization. The Chargers started four rookies on the offensive line, three of whom were drafted in the fourth round or later. Herbert took five sacks, including one, fittingly, on the final play, setting up for a Hail Mary. BRONCOS DEFENSE CALLS GAME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/uHv9ChQAmx Los Angeles was also without its top two wide receivers, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston . But guess what? The Broncos were without their top two corners -- superstar Patrick Surtain II as well as Riley Moss -- and figured out a way to defend effectively. Bad teams find ways to lose games, and the Chargers are a bad team. Technically speaking, the Chargers have the Chiefs next week as their brutal schedule continues. But in the grander scheme, up next are big questions about the roster, the coaching staff and the front office. Those questions must be answered, maybe sooner rather than later. Jim Harbaugh got two pointed questions to end his press conference on Sunday. First: Do things have to change -- particularly with the offense -- given the struggles, or is it to continue doing what they've been doing? "Just keep digging deep and moving forward," Harbaugh said. "That's what staying the course looks like, and coach being right about the decisions, these critical decisions. That's as important as anything." Second question: Why stay the course when the course has led you here? "Keep working harder, keep working smarter," Harbaugh said. "That's just the truth. That's the answer." Harbaugh has to say that then, but it's clear it's not the answer. In fact, earlier in the press conference when asked about what message can get through to an 0-5 team, Harbaugh said, "I don't know what that message is." There is no message for a team like this, no magic potion. The marriage between Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has gone completely bust. There were always going to be differences between the two stylistically -- Herbert hangs in the pocket and delivers downfield, McDaniel wants a quick, on-time passing attack -- but Herbert looks like he needs a complete reboot. I know the Herbert discourse is treading on thin ice, but this is a quarterback who threw three interceptions in 2024 and seven in 2023. He threw 13 last year, but his 2.5% interception rate was hardly worrying. This year, he has seven picks already, many of the jaw-dropping-bad variety. His 4.9% interception rate is second-worst in the NFL and on par with J.J. McCarthy last year. Yikes! It's also not indicative of who he is as a player. He entered this season with a 1.7% interceptio [... truncated ...]
Ladd McConkey will be available for the Chargers on Sunday
Both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in 2025, but they're off to poor starts in 2026. The Broncos are 2-2, but only because their offense showed up in the second half of the two victories. The Chargers haven't won a game this season. If you are interested in making predictions for this AFC West contest, you'll want to take advantage of the latest Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 . The code gives new users a $55 sign-up bonus after they make $25+ in trades at Kalshi, one of the top prediction market apps . Get started at Kalshi with the promo code CBSSPORTS55: For the terms and conditions of this offer, check out the Kalshi promo code review page. Ensure prediction markets are legal in your state before making trades. Head coach Sean Payton is set to take over the play-calling duties for Denver after four tough weeks. The Broncos, despite bringing in Jaylen Waddle in the offseason, rank 27th in yards per game and points per game. Bo Nix has not looked sharp, completing just 60% of his throws. Denver's defense is solid but this offense needs to be more consistent instead of waking up halfway through a game. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has the Broncos winning in 53% of simulations. A Denver win trades at $0.63 per share on Kalshi. The $0.63 price equates to a 63% probability in the latest Broncos vs. Chargers odds. Trade $25+ on Kalshi using the promo code CBSSPORTS55 to get a $55 sign-up bonus: Mike McDaniel was supposed to unlock Justin Herbert , but the former Dolphins head coach has not made his mark as L.A.'s offensive coordinator. The Chargers are 29th in points per game, though they are slightly better at moving the ball at 21st in yards per game. Herbert won't have Quentin Johnston for this contest, and fellow receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable. Jesse Minter's departure has impacted the defense, which has allowed 26.5 points per game. The Chargers win in 47% of SportsLine simulations. A Chargers win in trading at $0.38 per share on Kalshi. The $0.38 price equates to a 38% probability in the latest Broncos vs. Chargers odds. Make trades at Kalshi using the promo code CBSSPORTS55 and get $55 as a sign-up bonus: Los Angeles hasn't been able to put together a competitive game for four quarters, though the Chargers did show signs of life against both the Bills and Seahawks . The Broncos have not done much consistently either, struggling for large stretches of the season while catching fire in two halves. The SportsLine model has the Chargers keeping it tight as L.A. loses by fewer than 3.5 points or wins outright in 56% of simulations. On Kalshi, this trade is available at $0.53 per share. Denver to win by more than 3.5 points is priced at $0.47 per share. Get a $55 bonus with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 after trading $25+: As noted above, neither offense has been productive to begin the season. The Broncos might get more out of Payton calling plays, but the Chargers have not made such a switch at the moment. The SportsLine model sees these teams scoring less than 41.5 points in 56% of simulations. This trade is available on Kalshi for $0.50 per share. The teams combining for more than 41.5 points is priced at $0.52 per share. Sign up with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 and receive a $55 sign-up bonus: It's a top priority for Kalshi to keep its users safe. Kalshi offers various risk management tools for traders that can be used at any time, including trading breaks, voluntary opt-out, and a personalized funding limit. Prediction Markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions and participants ar [... truncated ...]
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers both made the playoffs last season, but they are off to poor starts relative to expectations in 2026. The Broncos are 2-2, but only because their offense showed up in the second half of those two wins. The Chargers have not won a game yet in this campaign. If you're looking to make predictions for this pivotal AFC West contest, you should take advantage of the latest Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 . This code gives new users a $55 sign-up bonus after they make $25+ in trades at one of the top prediction market apps . Get started at Kalshi with the promo code CBSSPORTS55: For the terms and conditions of this offer, check out the Kalshi promo code review page. Ensure prediction markets are legal in your state before making trades. Head coach Sean Payton is set to take over the play-calling duties for Denver after four tough weeks. The Broncos, despite bringing in Jaylen Waddle in the offseason, rank 27th in yards per game and points per game. Bo Nix has not looked sharp, completing just 60% of his throws. Denver's defense is solid but this offense needs to be more consistent instead of waking up halfway through a game. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has the Broncos winning in 53% of simulations. A Denver win trades at $0.63 per share on Kalshi. The $0.63 price equates to a 63% probability in the latest Broncos vs. Chargers odds. Trade $25+ on Kalshi using the promo code CBSSPORTS55 to get a $55 sign-up bonus: Mike McDaniel was supposed to unlock Justin Herbert , but the former Dolphins head coach has not made his mark as L.A.'s offensive coordinator. The Chargers are 29th in points per game, though they are slightly better at moving the ball at 21st in yards per game. Herbert won't have Quentin Johnston for this contest, and fellow receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable. Jesse Minter's departure has impacted the defense, which has allowed 26.5 points per game. The Chargers win in 47% of SportsLine simulations. A Chargers win in trading at $0.38 per share on Kalshi. The $0.38 price equates to a 38% probability in the latest Broncos vs. Chargers odds. Make trades at Kalshi using the promo code CBSSPORTS55 and get $55 as a sign-up bonus: Los Angeles hasn't been able to put together a competitive game for four quarters, though the Chargers did show signs of life against both the Bills and Seahawks . The Broncos have not done much consistently either, struggling for large stretches of the season while catching fire in two halves. The SportsLine model has the Chargers keeping it tight as L.A. loses by fewer than 3.5 points or wins outright in 56% of simulations. On Kalshi, this trade is available at $0.53 per share. Denver to win by more than 3.5 points is priced at $0.47 per share. Get a $55 bonus with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 after trading $25+: As noted above, neither offense has been productive to begin the season. The Broncos might get more out of Payton calling plays, but the Chargers have not made such a switch at the moment. The SportsLine model sees these teams scoring less than 41.5 points in 56% of simulations. This trade is available on Kalshi for $0.50 per share. The teams combining for more than 41.5 points is priced at $0.52 per share. Sign up with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 and receive a $55 sign-up bonus: It's a top priority for Kalshi to keep its users safe. Kalshi offers various risk management tools for traders that can be used at any time, including trading breaks, voluntary opt-out, and a personalized funding limit. Prediction Markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain juris [... truncated ...]
Tre' Harris is expected to see an increased role for the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos due to injuries to Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. Harris has been the team's leading receiver since Week 2 and is becoming the WR2, with potential to be WR1. The Broncos' secondary will be shorthanded, making Harris a viable flex play
Several Chargers players ruled out or questionable for Sunday's game
Trey Lance is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos
Sleeper trending/drop: Quentin Johnston (9754) count=46235 (Δ46235 vs prior poll)
Quentin Johnston was named the Chargers’ X-factor for the 2026 season by ESPN
Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston could end the 2026 season in the top 20 of Chargers receiving history
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh praises Justin Herbert's 65-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston in the preseason finale against the Rams
Countdown to TCU football kickoff
Justin Herbert threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston, but the Chargers fell to the Rams 20-18
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said this week that he wanted to see his starters play six to nine plays of “crisp and clean” football in Thursday’s final preseason game. It’s a good thing he added, “It’s never perfect, but you want to see that level of crispness and execution. That’s what you want to see the most.” He will like one of Justin Herbert’s two drives. The starting quarterback played only three plays last week against the 49ers, and the Chargers went three-and-out as Herbert went 1-of-2 for 9 yards. He opened Thursday’s game against the Rams with a lost fumble on the second play as the ball slipped out of his hands. Herbert stayed in for one more series, which was only two plays, as he connected with Quentin Johnston for a 65-yard touchdown. Herbert’s final numbers were 2-of-3 for 74 yards and a touchdown. Trey Lance replaced Herbert on the first play of the second quarter
Which Cowboys players do you think are on the bubble?
This article discusses guillotine fantasy football draft strategy, emphasizing the importance of floor-raising plays over high-variance stacks. It highlights how certain player pairings, like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, can be too risky in this format due to the weekly elimination structure. The article also mentions Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as an example of a potentially stable, albeit less flashy, pairing
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