Josh Palmer Leads WR Usage with Ladd McConkey Out

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Palmer shifted from playing mostly outside to running as the primary slot man against the Chiefs, with McConkey out.

That seems unlikely to repeat in Week 15, with McConkey expected back. The rookie was a game-time decision against the Chiefs despite dealing with a shoulder sprain and a knee sprain.

We'll obviously track McConkey's status throughout the week.

Quentin Johnston joined Palmer as the clear top two WRs against K.C. Johnston ran close to Palmer with 30 pass routes, while no other Charger exceeded 17 (RB Kimani Vidal).

Johnston also ranked second among Chargers in targets (7) and receptions (5). He tallied 48 yards and caught the team's lone TD pass.

Week 15 holds a high-upside passing matchup with Tampa Bay, followed by Denver's tough pass defense in Week 16 and the weak-all-over Patriots in Week 17.

Sunday night marked the first time all season that Palmer has exceeded 4 receptions in a game and just the second time he has caught more than three passes. That'll make him a poor bet for fantasy production if McConkey's back.

Johnston had caught two passes or fewer in four straight games before Week 14.