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Los Angeles Chargers 2026 Preview: Justin Herbert, Mike McDaniel & Best Bets | Stephie Smalls Show (Ep 269)
Description
Smalls is joined by Geoff Fienberg to preview the 2026 Los Angeles Chargers and explain why expectations should be high entering Year 3 under Jim Harbaugh.
After winning 11 games despite devastating offensive line injuries in 2025, the Chargers bring back a healthier unit and add Mike McDaniel to an offense built around Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton. Smalls and Geoff discuss how McDaniel could unlock Herbert, whether the Chargers are being underrated in the futures market and why the stakes are officially high for this version of the team.
They also break down Herbert’s MVP and passing-yard upside, Hampton’s rushing touchdown potential, Keaton Mitchell, Trey Harris, Quentin Johnston as a late fantasy value and the difficulty of betting the loaded AFC West.
Plus, Geoff reacts to the Justin Herbert-Madison Beer discourse and tries to determine exactly how worried Chargers fans should be if Herbert suddenly starts dressing like Joe Burrow.
Get your questions in for Ask Smalls Anything at SpeakPipe.com/StephieSmalls.
0:00 Chargers Preview
0:47 Geoff Fienberg Joins
1:11 Justin Herbert & Madison Beer
8:15 What Happened to the 2025 Chargers?
13:37 Healthy O-Line Changes Everything
14:32 Mike McDaniel Takes Over the Offense
17:55 Keaton Mitchell & New Offensive Weapons
19:21 Chargers Tight End Upside
21:06 Trey Harris & the WR Room
22:01 Omarion Hampton Breakout Incoming?
24:16 Chargers Win Total & Futures
24:45 How to Bet the AFC West
26:45 The Chargers’ Biggest Concern
29:27 Justin Herbert Passing Yards Bet
30:19 Justin Herbert MVP Case
31:41 Omarion Hampton & Trey Harris Bets
33:40 Geoff’s Chargers Best Bets
34:32 Quentin Johnston Fantasy Sleeper
38:18 Are the Chargers Being Underrated?
40:36 Geoff Fienberg Wraps Up
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