Chargers WR Ladd McConkey made just 4 catches for 66 yards in Sunday's loss to the Bills. His 5 targets ranked third on the team. But it was a positive outing if only for presenting his first full set of playing time this season. McConkey played more offensive snaps than anyone but QB Justin Herbert and the O-line. He tied WR Quentin Johnston for the team lead in routes (32), running on 84.2% of Herbert's dropbacks.
Target Distribution Needs Work
That followed rates of:
- 46.2% in Week 1, when he suffered the rib injury and
- 71.0% in his Week 2 return.
McConkey looked good, including a toe-tap grab on the left sideline in the middle of the third quarter and a 29-yard catch-and-run late in the fourth.
The offense started decently but still doesn't look right.
McConkey, for example, hit halftime with just 2 targets. That matched RB Keaton Mitchell, trailed FB Alec Ingold by 2, and halved Quentin Johnston's total (4).
For the game, Johnston drew 6 targets while Tre Harris led the team with 7. Harris also led the team with 6 catches and 76 yards. Johnston caught three balls for 40 yards.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Chargers WRs Offering Little Help
As I mentioned, it was McConkey's first full game this season. And it's worth noting that Harris was a second-round pick; Johnston a first-rounder.
So it's a trio with plenty of ability. But McConkey needs to get more opportunities.
A Week 4 visit to Seattle doesn't look promising for boosting his production. After that comes a challenging Denver D that allowed McConkey a mere 4-41 receiving line on 7 targets in his lone meeting last year.
Other Winners & Losers: QJ, Harris Cannibalize Each Other's Value
Harris and Johnston look like they could remain problems for each other. Here's how they compare after three weeks:
| Player | Routes | Targets | Catches |
| Johnston | 82 | 17 | 6 |
| Harris | 75 | 16 | 10 |
Harris' 6-catch Week 3 is the only time so far this season that either guy has caught more than three balls in a game. We'll see how much of the blame for that belongs to the WRs and how much to Herbert.
Either way, matchups with the Seahawks and Broncos the next two weeks don't look promising.
Try not to use either guy in your fantasy lineups for those two contests. Let's hope we get more positive signs for the offense on whole before a Week 6 visit to Kansas City.
