Running Back · Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis by Shawn Childs, from his 2026 guide — his words, unedited.
The case
- · Some fantasy drafters have fought for Hampton in the early draft season, highlighted by him have peak ADP of 5.
- · Chargers’ new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has produced a top five running back in three consecutive years (2023: Raheem Mostert – 268.70, 2024: De’Von Achane – 300.00, and 2025: De’Von Achane – 322.80).
- · Last year, Los Angeles’ backs ranked 27th in PPR fantasy points (316.00), 144.50 fewer than Miami, despite scoring only one fewer touchdown (37).
- · Their backs gained only 4.1 yards per carry with eight scores on the ground.
- · The Chargers added four offensive linemen in the draft (C Jake Slaughter – 2nd, T Travis Burke – 4th, G Logan Taylor – 6th, and G Alex Harkey – 6th), along with two signings (C Tyler Biadasz – $30 million for three years, G Cole Strange – two years for $13 million, and T Trey Pipkins – $10 million for two seasons).
- · Hampton’s 2025 stats projected over 17 games came to 1,392 combined yards with nine touchdowns and 60 catches (253.2 PPR fantasy points).
- · His best fantasy value came in three matchups (24.90, 27.50, and 20.00).
Question marks
- · Los Angeles has ranked poorly in running back receiving stats over the past two years (43/270/2 on 55 targets and 63/386/2 on 69 targets) with Jim Harbaugh as the Chargers’ head coach.
- · The Chargers lost G Zion Johnson to the Browns ($49.5 million for three years).
- · Justin Herbert must play better, along with his offensive line (60 sacks allowed in 2025).
Shawn's conclusion
Hampton brings a power running back profile with winning speed for his size, and the Chargers will feature him in their passing game. His floor should be 260.00 fantasy points with a healthy season, but his breakout ADP needs another gear. I’m giddy about his outlook, and his summer reports have been positive.
More on Hampton
Hampton put together back-to-back dominant seasons at North Carolina, leading the ACC in rushing attempts and yards both years, carrying the ball 253 and 281 times for 1,504 and 1,660 yards, respectively. He was equally prolific as a scorer, totaling 30 rushing touchdowns over that span while adding 67 catches for 595 yards and three more scores through the air. His consistency was remarkable, topping 100 rushing yards in 16 of his final 20 starts, including seven standout performances (24/197/1, 31/169/1, 19/178/2, 25/210/3, 32/172/4, 35/244/1, and 22/185/1).
At 6'0" and 220 pounds with a 4.46 40-yard dash, Hampton has the size-speed combination that teams covet in a featured back. He's far from a one-trick pony. His running style blends power, acceleration, and vision in a way that makes him effective in multiple situations. He has the patience to wait for a crease to develop and the explosiveness to burst through it, then the strength to generate yards after contact once Hampton reaches the second level. His build and goal-line instincts make him a near-automatic scoring threat in short-yardage situations, and his receiving ability gives him a three-down profile that adds real value beyond just carrying the ball.
The comp that comes to mind is Nick Chubb (similar build, similar power running style), but Hampton brings more as a pass catcher, which gives him a higher overall ceiling in today's NFL.
After two quiet games (76 combined yards with three catches on 26 touches), Hampton ramped up his output over his next two starts (19/70/1 with six catches for 59 yards and 12/128/1 with five catches for 37 yards). Unfortunately, an ankle injury in Week 5 led to seven missed games and less explosiveness over his final four contests (58/231/2 with 12 catches for 56 yards and one score).
Over his first four games, the Chargers had Hampton on the field for 77.9% of their snaps, a level he only approached in one other game in Week 17 (81%). His ankle issue cost him the final game of the regular season and led to only two snaps in the postseason.
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