The Chargers are coming off their bye. Despite not playing, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some moving around in power rankings.
Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 6:
USA Today: 20 (Previous: 22)
“Did you know WR Keenan Allen owns the NFL record for most games – three – with at least 15 receptions? With wingman Mike Williams down for the count, wouldn’t be a shock if Allen extends that mark before this year is out.”
Touchdown Wire: 11 (Previous: 11)
“The Chargers are like the latest Halloween franchise. More so, Justin Herbert’s career has had the same arc as the iconic horror films. The first two movies, much like Herbert’s first two seasons, were fantastic. And then Halloween III: Season of the Witch happened, and lots of people were annoyed by the lack of Michael Myers. Now, the young quarterback is trying to salvage this season and make it his Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers- one of the best movies in the franchise. They play Dallas next week on Monday night, which is sure to feature some incredibly stupid football.”
NFL: 13 (Previous: 13)
“The panic meter dropped after the team hit the bye at 2-2 with two straight victories. But reality sets in: The Chargers must play games in 13 straight weeks, and the remaining schedule includes the following foes: the Cowboys this coming Monday, the Chiefs in Week 7 (and Week 18), the Lions in Week 10, the Ravens in Week 12 and the Bills in Week 16. Close victories over the Vikings and Raiders don’t inspire enough confidence that all is right in Chargerville heading into that stretch. The biggest worry is limiting explosive pass plays, and many of L.A.’s remaining opponents throw the ball pretty well. There’s a long road ahead.”
CBS Sports: 18 (Previous: 16)
“They come off their bye with a big home game against the Cowboys. That will be a challenge for Justin Herbert and gang.”
ESPN: 12 (Previous: 12)
Fantasy surprise: WR Keenan Allen
“Through the first five weeks — including a bye week for the Chargers — Allen has the seventh most fantasy points in PPR leagues of any receiver, ahead of other top receivers, including A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen’s best game came in Week 3, where he broke franchise and league records, catching 18 passes for 215 yards and throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass in a win over the Minnesota Vikings.”
Yahoo Sports: 13 (Previous: 14)
“The Chargers’ next game, on Monday night against the Cowboys, is a big game for both teams. The Chargers probably would be better off if Dallas hadn’t been embarrassed on Sunday night, but nothing they can do about that. Cowboys at Chargers will be a fun game (probably attended by 90 percent Cowboys fans).”
The Athletic: 13 (Previous: 11)
“If (when?) Brandon Staley gets fired, this draft class will be thrown into the list of reasons. Not high, but it’ll be there. First-round wide receiver Quentin Johnston, 4.49 speed at 6-foot-4, has six catches for 44 yards. Fourth-round receiver Derius Davis, 4.36 speed, has four catches for 24 yards. Second-round defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the only rookie contributing.”