The Chargers flew down to Brazil in Week 1 and showed us something we haven’t seen in a while: a wide receiver room exploding with vida (life for you American simpeltons). Justin Herbert was slinging it all over the field, racking up 318 passing yards, three touchdowns, and sprinkling in 32 rushing yards for a fantasy boost.
Two of those touchdowns? They landed in Quentin Johnston’s hands. Meanwhile, old friend Keenan Allen didn’t look washed at all, catching a touchdown of his own while leading the team in targets.
So now fantasy managers are left with the big Week 2 Waiver Wire question: Should you pick up Keenan Allen (49% rostered) or Quentin Johnston (7% rostered)? Let’s break it down.
LOOKING AT THE CHARGERS’ WR ROOM
The Chargers’ receiver group looks very different than it did a year ago. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston returned as the top two options, but the team added reinforcements. They brought back Keenan Allen after a one-year detour with the Chicago Bears, and they also drafted Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
On Friday night against the Chiefs, that depth paid off. McConkey, Johnston, and Allen all finished with at least 65 yards receiving. They combined for three touchdowns, and most importantly, they all looked like they belonged in Jim Harbaugh’s system.
McConkey operated primarily out of the slot but also saw time on the outside, showing off his versatility. Allen worked into three-receiver sets, primarily on the outside with McConkey in the slot, and led the team in targets as Herbert’s trusted chain mover. Johnston was the explosive playmaker, lining up on the outside and using his size and speed to create mismatches.
KEENAN ALLEN FANTASY OUTLOOK
Allen wasted no time reminding everyone why he was Herbert’s go-to guy before wasting a season with Caleb Williams.
Signed just a month ago, Allen immediately stepped into the starting lineup and played like he never left. He finished with seven receptions on 10 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown. That line might not sound gaudy compared to Johnston’s two-TD splash, but it highlights what Allen does best: consistency.
Despite being 33 years old, Allen can still get open with ease, and Herbert clearly trusts him when the team needs a first down. His veteran savvy and route-running make him the kind of receiver who racks up steady fantasy points even without splash plays.
Perhaps most importantly for fantasy managers, Allen is still available in over half of Yahoo leagues. That makes him a tougher grab in deeper formats, but there’s still a very real chance you can snag him off waivers in 10- or 12-team leagues.
If you’re looking for a safe WR3 or flex option who can consistently give you points, Allen is the steady hand to trust.
QUENTIN JOHNSTON FANTASY OUTLOOK
Now let’s talk about the guy who stole the show. Quentin Johnston caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns, finally flashing the upside the Chargers envisioned when they drafted him in the first round back in 2023. What stood out most was his ability after the catch. Johnston racked up 39 yards after the catch on his 79 total, showing the YAC that made him a star at TCU.
Even Justin Herbert is buying in. Back in June, he said, “He’s been incredible. He’s one of those guys that I’m going to get the ball to as much as possible.” Jim Harbaugh was even more straightforward after Friday’s win, simply saying, “Quentin, what a game.”
For fantasy managers, the most appealing part of Johnston’s breakout is that he’s only rostered in 7% of leagues. That makes him the more widely available waiver wire add compared to Allen. If you’re chasing upside and hoping for a breakout, Johnston is sitting there waiting for you.
JUSTIN HERBERT SPREADS IT AROUND
It’s worth noting that while Johnston found the end zone twice, both Allen and McConkey finished with more targets. Allen led the team with 10, while McConkey pulled in eight. Johnston had seven, which is still a healthy number, but it shows he may be more touchdown-dependent at this stage of the offense.
That being said, if Herbert keeps throwing over 35 times a game, there should be plenty of production to go around. Johnston looks like the updated version of a Mike Williams-type player: the big-play threat who might not always rack up receptions but can swing matchups with a long touchdown or two.
KEENAN ALLEN OR QUENTIN JOHNSTON: WEEK 2 WAIVER WIRE
This really comes down to what your fantasy team needs. Keenan Allen is the safer, higher-floor option. He’s going to rack up catches, move the chains, and see consistent targets from Herbert. If you’re in need of reliable production and don’t want to sweat over whether your wideout disappears one week, Allen is your guy.
Quentin Johnston, on the other hand, is the upside lottery ticket. If you want to take a swing at a player who could explode for 20+ points on any given Sunday, Johnston is the add. Just know that the consistency may not be there week-to-week.
Personally, I lean toward Allen if I can only choose one. We’ve seen Johnston flash before, but Allen is the one who keeps Herbert’s offense on schedule. Still, if you’re in a deeper league, or you just want to shoot for upside, Johnston is more widely available and potentially more rewarding.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While this waiver wire debate is fun, it’s worth remembering that Ladd McConkey is still the Chargers’ slot staple and finished with six catches for 74 yards against Kansas City. He’s the locked-in alpha of this receiver room.
But in terms of Week 2 waiver wire adds, the spotlight is squarely on Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston. Allen brings the floor, Johnston brings the ceiling, and Herbert brings enough firepower to keep both fantasy-relevant.
So, Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnston? The real answer might be that you can’t go wrong, because if Herbert keeps cooking like this, you won’t want to miss out on any slice of the Chargers’ passing pie.
Keep tabs on The Wolf’s Weekly Rankings to see where the Chargers wideouts land.
