Home / Sports / Chargers Backfield Battle: Hampton vs. Vidal Week 16
Chargers Backfield Battle: Hampton vs. Vidal Week 16
21 Dec
Summary
- Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal split snaps and touches.
- Hampton handles short-yardage, Vidal sees third-down work.
- Quinnen Williams' concussion status impacts Chargers' run defense.
As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, fantasy football managers are closely watching the backfield split between Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. Despite Hampton's return from injury, Vidal has continued to handle a larger share of snaps, though Hampton has seen a comparable number of touches. This division of labor suggests a "hot hand" approach, leading to potential inconsistency for fantasy owners.
Hampton typically handles short-yardage situations, while Vidal has been utilized more on third downs. However, Vidal recently took on a significant portion of plays in Week 15, blurring the lines of their roles. This unpredictable split creates a lower floor for both players, but their potential for decent upside remains, especially given the Cowboys' recent defensive struggles against the run.
The Cowboys' defense has shown improvement, particularly against the run, since acquiring Quinnen Williams. However, they recently conceded four rushing touchdowns to the Detroit Lions. Williams is currently in concussion protocol but has returned to limited practice. If he is cleared to play, it could present a tougher challenge for the Chargers' running backs; however, even if he plays, starting both Hampton and Vidal is a viable fantasy strategy.
