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McConkey

McConkey dominated targets in the LA offense, as he’s done for most of the past couple months. It was the most yards by a rookie in a playoff game in NFL history. Missing one game in his rookie seasons, McConkey was 23rd in wideout targets, ninth in receiving yards, and 15th in receiver receptions in a Chargers offense that was pass-first in the season’s final eight weeks. He operated primarily from the slot and earned Justin Herbert’s early on. He had five games with more than 90 receiving yards and seven games with at least six catches, demonstrating an ability to get open and find the soft spots in zone coverage throughout the season. If the Bolts remain pass heavy in 2025, McConkey could be viewed as a top-15 fantasy receiver in PPR formats. At worst, he would profile as a safe weekly option.

McConkey also had a two-point conversion catch that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. He took a backseat to Quentin Johnston, who went for 186 yards on 13 grabs in the regular season finale, though 96 yards is still an impressive outing. The Raiders simply could guard against the deep ball and Johnston saw the bulk of those targets with Josh Palmer out, supercharging his stats. McConkey should be back in the driver’s seat when the Chargers take on the Texans in the Wild Card Round. As a favorite to advance beyond the first round, McConkey is a strong play in most postseason fantasy formats.

McConkey was held out of Wednesday’s practice but returned to the field on Thursday. He was also out there on Friday before being cleared. With Josh Palmer out this week, the Chargers will funnel even more target McConkey’s way. Still playing for seeding purposes in the AFC, the Chargers should handle business against the Raiders, putting McConkey on the WR1/2 border for Week 18.

That’s an upgrade from not being able to practice during Wednesday’s session. McConkey is likely getting maintenance before the Week 18 finale against the Raiders, but with only seeding involved, the Chargers may play it cautious with the star rookie for the finale. Keep a close eye on the situation.

The Chargers have been generous with their maintenance this year, but a DNP to open the week still has our eyebrows raised. The Chargers can move up the seeding order with a win and a Pittsburgh loss on Sunday, though they have long since been eliminated from hosting a game in the Wild Card Round. That could be enough of a reason for them to sit McConkey this week. With Josh Palmer also on the injury report, this is a situation to monitor throughout the week.

With silky smooth route-running, McConkey continued his connection with Justin Herbert in a big way. Once Christian Gonzalez (concussion) exited the game, the Patriots did not seem interested in stopping McConkey and he torched them for eight catches, 94 yards, and a pair of scores. He broke Chargers rookie records for catches and receiving yards and also tied Odell Beckham Jr.’s NFL rookie record for most consecutive games with 50+ receiving yards. Despite the big day, it could have been more with a first drive drop and Herbert missing McConkey for a third touchdown. McConkey is one of the league’s top rookie receivers and is a WR2 for Week 18 against the Raiders.

McConkey did much of his damage on a 27-yard connection with Justin Herbert early in the game, but it was another effective outing for the rookie out of Georgia. This makes five consecutive contests that he’s picked up at least five receptions, and he’s picked up at least 80 yards in four of those five games. Simply put, McConkey has been very impressive in his rookie campaign, and there’s no reason to think it won’t keep going against the Patriots in Week 17.

McConkey looked like he was primed for a big day, catching 3-of-3 targets for 27 yards and one touchdown on the first drive but the Buccaneers’ pass rush ultimately foiled the Chargers’ offensive game plan. McConkey showed no ill effects from his shoulder and knee injuries. The Chargers face another blitz-happy defense in the Broncos next week and McConkey remains the team leader with 34 targets earned against the blitz. He is WR2-viable in Week 16.

Justin Herbert will have his go-to WR active for the Chargers’ must-win Week 15 game. Herbert will, unfortunately, be without Will Dissly (shoulder), who ties for the team’s second-highest target tally (53) behind McConkey’s 80. The Chargers also declared Denzel Perryman, DL Justin Eboigbe, OL Brenden Jaimes, OL Jordan McFadden and QB Easton Stick (emergency 3rd QB) inactive for Week 15 against the Buccaneers.

McConkey missed last week’s game with the pair of injuries. He practiced in a limited capacity three times before being listed as questionable but was ultimately held out of the game. McConkey got the same practice regimen this week and was also listed as questionable, making him a true game-time call. Per Rapoport, the plan is for McConkey to workout before the game before making a final determination on his status. Fantasy managers can cautiously treat the rookie as a WR2, though a backup plan is still recommended.