The next few weeks could be huge for Ladd McConkey

How many Jim Harbaughs does it take to install a light bulb? We’ll guess one, but it might take him half a season to turn on the light.

We’re eight games into the 2024 campaign (for most teams), and the Chargers offense under Harbaugh has largely been operating in the dark. They have scored the sixth fewest points, scored the third fewest touchdowns, run the second fewest plays and have the fifth fewest passing yards on the fourth fewest attempts.

The passing was scarce, but the running wasn’t great either. They rank in the bottom half for rushing attempts (20th) and rushing yards (24th) and are sixth-worst in yards per attempt.

However, they sit at 4-3 in the thick of the playoff race and have what many consider to be a potential quarterback in Justin Herbert.

So what’s the holdup? Why were the prospects so poor? Well, because it works slowly, methodically and often inefficiently, especially in the field.

While their rushing numbers aren’t impressive, most of their passing stats can be chalked up to pace, thus lack of opportunities. But when the Charger throws, they aren’t terrible. They rank 17th in yards per attempt. Better still, Justin Herbert has an 8-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, second-best behind Josh Allen (14-1).

It’s not otherworldly, but their middle-of-the-pack efficiency numbers (or better) indicate more potential than their lower-tier production thus far reflects.

Part of that can be chalked up to the game and the pace. And part of it could be a lack of reliable receiving options — a deficiency that could also impact play and pace.

But what if that inadequacy were removed? What if they found a reliable target in the passing game? And if that coincided with a light bulb going off in Harbaugh’s head, giving him an enlightened thought: Wait, I’ve got Justin Herbert at quarterback?

He pitched the idea to Harbaugh with rookie shortstop Ladd McConkey.

The Georgia WR, drafted in the second round in April, had a modest start to his career. Through his first six games, he has totaled 24 receptions and 265 yards on 39 targets with two touchdowns – an average of 10.4 fantasy points per game in PPR formats.

Not great, WR45 heading into Week 8. He then erupted for 111 yards on six catches with two touchdowns. He is now WR22.

Yes yes. We hear you skeptics chanting a common Madman refrain: It’s only one week. There is broader data that suggests the game may be an anomaly. And that’s true, but also…

More Ladd makes sense. Less Ladd doesn’t. That’s why that game should have been a lightbulb moment for the Chargers. Because as much as we root for defenseman JK Dobbins, Herbert is their best player, so more Herbert makes sense. Less Herbert doesn’t.

Now that you’ve made this less than a shocking revelation, take a look at the Chargers’ upcoming schedule. It features average, or worse, fantasy WR defenses in the Titans, Bengals, Ravens, Falcons, Buccaneers and Lions, with a tough Week 14 clash with the Chiefs in the mix. And the lean starts this week against the Browns — in what could turn into a shootout with Jameis Winston now leading the Cleveland offense.

Harbaugh is a coach who has had success at multiple stops at multiple levels. We know coaches can be stubborn and set in their ways, but perennially successful ones don’t shine a light on good ideas.

More Ladd is a good idea. And we think Harbaugh will keep the lights on.

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Big weeks

Joe Flacco QB, Colts, at Vikings (FanDuel $7,000/DraftKings $5,700)

He has done quite well in place of Anthony Richardson this season, averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game. But two of those were against good defenses (Steelers, Titans). He scored 26.6 against the Jaguars and could hang something similar on Minnesota.

Cade Otton TE, Buccaneers, at Chiefs ($6,100 FD/$4,500 DK)

So we don’t need to mention this again: we plan to start Otton regularly, at least until Mike Evans returns. And this week they face the league’s worst defense vs. fantasy.

Sam LaPorta TE, Lions, to Packers ($6,300 FD/$4,800 DK)

The fact that he had a season high in targets, receptions and fantasy points last week is no coincidence because Jameson Williams was suspended. Williams is out again this week. Enjoy the LaPorta circa 2023 while you can.

Mike Gesicki TE, Bengals, vs. Raiders ($5,400 FD/$3,100 DK)

WR Tee Higgins on Friday was downgraded to questionable for Sunday. When Higgins is down, Gesicki hangs out.

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Small skinny

Geno Smith QB, Seahawks, vs. Rams ($7,400 FD/$5,800 DK)

Freshman wide receiver DK Metcalf is out again with a knee injury. Smith struggled last week without him – 212 passing yards, zero TDs, one INT. Don’t be surprised if Smith makes another mistake against the Rams.

Jayden Reed WR, Packers, vs. Lions ($7,300 FD/$6,400 DK)

If QB Jordan Love plays, we expect him to be limited by a groin injury. This could undermine an otherwise great opportunity for a touchdown against one of the most generous defenses against fantasy WRs.

Zay Flowers WR, Ravens, vs. Broncos ($7,200 FD/$7,000 DK)

We’re not sure what kind of role newly acquired Diontae Johnson will play. Flowers has three single-digit games under his belt this year. The Broncos are not an easy opponent. Many warning signs.

TJ Hockenson TE, Vikings, vs. Colts ($5,600 FD/$5,200 DK)

First game back from last season’s ACL injury. We want to see him show us something before he dives back into wholesale. You’ve waited so long, better to wait at least another week.

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The daily duel of madness

Drew Loftis and Jarad Wilk submit dueling rosters in a DFS contest:

website: FanDuel
Slate: The sun. main (13 games)
Type: $15 tournament
The top prize: $200,000
Pot: USD 1.2 million

Drew’s team

QB: Sam Darnold, Min (vs. Ind) $7,500

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Ind (at min.) $8,200

RB: Alexander Mattison, LV (at Cin) $5,900

WR: Justin Jefferson, Min (vs. Ind) $9,200

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Ind (at min.) $5,800

WR: Ladd McConkey, LAC (at Cle) $6,400

TE: Evan Engram, Jac (at Phi) $6,400

Flex: Mike Gesicki,,Cin (vs. LV) $5,400

DEF: Saints, NO (on car) $5,000

Wilk’s Warriors

QB: Joe Flacco, Ind (at min.) $7,000

RB: Kyren Williams, LAR (at high) $8,900

RB: Chase Brown, Cin (vs. LV) $6,300

WR: AJ Brown, Phi (vs. Jax) $9,000

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Ind (at min.) $5,800

WR: Ladd McConkey, LAC (at Cle) $6,400

TE: Hunter Henry, NE (at ten) $5,500

Flex: Aaron Jones, Min (vs. Ind) $7,500

DEF: Giants, NYG (vs. Era) $3,200

Late roster changes, check @NYPost_Loftis on X and @nypfantasymadman on Threads

Risky season: 120 USD
Earnings of the season: He drew $180, Jarad $113.50