Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy RB Outlook: Who Leads the Crowded Room?

Najee Harris: Risk or Reward?

The Chargers’ backfield looked steady entering the summer with Harris locked into the RB1 role. Then came the July fireworks accident, and everything changed. Harris’ recovery has been shrouded in mystery—he hasn’t been on the field consistently, and while Jim Harbaugh insists he’s “getting better and better every day,” that’s a vague diagnosis at best. If you’re betting on Harris in fantasy or season-long props, you’re really betting on his health. Even if he’s active in Week 1, it’s fair to ask whether he’ll be effective. At his current ADP, Harris is more of a late-round flyer than a cornerstone fantasy piece. Bettors should look to the under on his rushing yard props if books post numbers close to his Pittsburgh averages.

Omarion Hampton: Rookie Riser

The real shakeup has been Hampton’s rise. Expected to be a developmental back in 2025, the rookie has surged into RB16 range in fantasy drafts thanks to Harris’ uncertain status. Hampton’s early workload and preseason buzz have made him a breakout candidate. The loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater tempers some optimism for the Chargers’ run game, but volume is king in fantasy—and Hampton looks poised to command touches right away. From a betting perspective, Hampton overs in rushing attempts or yards may present value if sportsbooks lag behind his meteoric rise in usage. Keeper league managers should already be circling his name.

Kimani Vidal: Don’t Chase Last Year’s Hype

It wasn’t long ago that Vidal was hyped as a sleeper, but he burned fantasy managers with underwhelming production in 2024. Entering 2025, he’s buried behind Hampton and Harris, and he doesn’t project as more than a depth piece. If you’re digging for late-round darts, Vidal isn’t the bet to make. Avoid speculative props on his production unless injuries open a path to touches.

Betting Takeaway

The Chargers’ backfield is a tale of uncertainty and opportunity. Harris is a fade unless reports dramatically improve before Week 1. Hampton is the clear upside play, both in fantasy and betting markets, where his role has yet to be fully priced in. Vidal, meanwhile, is off the radar. For sharp bettors, targeting Hampton overs early in the season and Harris unders until his health proves otherwise is the optimal approach.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.