Kimani Vidal Fantasy Outlook: Why The Chargers’ RB is the Hottest Week 6 Waiver Wire Stash

kimani vidal fantasy football outlook
Kimani Vidal has the makings of a second-half league-winner.

With Gus Edwards (ankle) placed on IR, sidelining him for at least four weeks, there’s a notable gap in the Chargers’ fantasy-friendly backfield behind starter J.K. Dobbins.

Dobbins has been effective as the team’s lead back, but rookie Kimani Vidal has become an intriguing fantasy stash. According to Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh, Vidal is set to make his NFL debut in Week 6, and with the valuable backfield thinned out, he could see opportunities to contribute immediately.

For fantasy managers looking for a deep sleeper, Vidal is worth a stash off the waiver wire before it locks at kickoff.

Though not a highly touted prospect out of Troy University, Vidal was drafted by Los Angeles in the sixth round, and the team seems genuinely excited about his potential, which isn’t always the case for a late-round pick. His strong ability to break tackles and solid pass protection skills could earn him significant playing time with this opportunity.

KIMANI VIDAL’S PATH TO FANTASY SUCCESS

The Chargers’ backfield isn’t overly crowded, which works in Vidal’s favor. Only JK Dobbins and Hasaan Haskins are currently standing in his way for snaps, while Gus Edwards looked sluggish and landed on IR.

Although Dobbins has flashed through five weeks, Duck highlighted him as a possible sell-high, due to his serious injury history and expected fantasy points (xFP). Dobbins’ numbers may look good on paper, but they appear unsustainable — especially for a player who has never started more than eight games in a season.

Opportunities per gamexFPFPOERZ Opportunities
JK Dobbins16.7511.873.335
Gus Edwards9.756.04-2.945

While Dobbins is healthy, Vidal could enter Edwards’ role. He ranked second in the FBS in forced missed tackles (94) in 2023. Standing at 5-foot-8 and 218 pounds, his stout, compact frame helped him earn a 31% dominator rating in his final season at Troy—the fifth-highest in 2023—after posting a 24% dominator rating in 2022. He did not face elite competition, which could be a knock, but Vidal has the skill set to stay on the field.

KIMANI VIDAL FANTASY OUTLOOK

Kimani Vidal, a three-year starter at Troy, was a true workhorse, setting multiple school records and scoring 34 touchdowns during his college career.

In his final season, he posted seven games with over 100 rushing yards, accumulating 1,661 yards on 297 carries, which ranked him second in the nation. With his impressive college production and the Chargers’ run-heavy offensive approach, Vidal is a fantasy sleeper worth keeping on your radar.

Now part of a Chargers backfield with J.K. Dobbins and Hassan Haskins, as well as Gus Edwards on IR, Vidal has a clear opportunity to earn playing time. Given that Dobbins has never established himself as a long-term starter and has a lengthy injury history, it’s not hard to envision Vidal carving out a role, potentially as part of a 1A-1B tandem. Vidal is in a prime position to contribute as a rookie and secure meaningful touches in Greg Roman’s backfield.

In short, the circumstances are favorable for Vidal in Los Angeles. He has a realistic chance to work his way into the backfield committee and earn consistent playing time early in his NFL career. He’s one injury away from being a second-half fantasy league winner.

Vidal checks in at RB40 (+15 vs ECR) on The Wolf’s Week 6 Rankings, but is more of a stash piece on the waiver wire, where he is available in nearly 90% of Sleeper leagues. Don’t wait for rosters to lock; stash Kimani Vidal before it’s too late.

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