Wide Receiver · Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis by Shawn Childs, from his 2026 guide — his words, unedited.
The case
- · McConkey never hit his expected WR1 stride in his second season with the Chargers.
- · Other than a six-game stretch (35/457/4 on 53 targets), he was a fantasy bust in 2025.
- · He scored fewer than 10.00 fantasy points in nine of his 16 starts, with no impact games. His only edge came in three matchups (7/100/1, 6/88/1, and 4/107/1).
- · Los Angeles gave him six targets or fewer across his final seven contests (18/190/2 on 30 targets).
Question marks
- · The Chargers’ offensive line allowed 60 sacks last year.
- · Justin Herbert was a beaten man over his final eight games (only nine touchdowns with a weaker completion rate – 63.8%).
- · Los Angeles brought in a new offensive coordinator.
- · The Chargers have receiving depth, which could lead to their targets being spread out over more options.
- · Much of the fantasy market expects Omarion Hampton to be more active in the passing game in 2026.
Shawn's conclusion
There’s something to be said for chasing last year’s bum. McConkey (82/1,149/7) was the 14th-ranked wideout in PPR formats (240.90 fantasy points) in 2024, suggesting progression rather than regression last year. He had only six fewer targets (106 – 112 in 2024), so his opportunity wasn’t the reason for his failure. For now, McConkey should be treated as an 80/1,050/7 player until he proves himself to be worthy of WR1 status. Let’s go with a neutral player with upside that I would rather roster at a discount.
More on McConkey
With several receiver spots to fill heading into 2024, the Chargers used their second draft pick on McConkey, who arrived with legitimate speed (4.39) in a lean 6'0" and 185-pound frame. His calling card from day one has been his route running and instincts in open space. He understands how to find soft spots at every level of a defense and projects as a natural fit in the slot with a reliable catch floor. His main area to watch as he develops is his release against physical corners, where adding strength will help him win more consistently.
In three seasons at Georgia, McConkey caught 119 passes for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns, also chipping in 13 carries for 216 yards and four scores in the run game. Availability was a minor concern; he missed six games in 2023 with back and ankle issues, and McConkey topped 100 receiving yards just twice in 39 college appearances.
His NFL debut was gradual, playing a complementary role through the first six weeks with 24 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. Then McConkey took off. Over his final 11 games, he recorded five or more catches in 10 contests, with five standout performances, including a 9/197/1 effort in the postseason.
During his dominant stretch, he averaged 19.19 PPR fantasy points per game, a pace that would have ranked second among all wide receivers had it been sustained across a full 17-game season. A knee injury cost him Week 14, and a minor toe issue shadowed the end of his year, but his breakout was undeniable.
In his second year in the NFL, McConkey failed to reach another level in his game, putting him almost in the bust category. His season appeared to be on track over his first 10 starts (51/631/4 on 80 targets – 13.81 fantasy points per game). He drifted home with losing stats over his final seven starts (3/13, 4/39/1, 1/12, 2/20, 4/43/1, 1/31, and 3/32) while averaging only 4.3 targets per game. The Chargers rested McConkey in Week 18.
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