Quentin Johnston Dynasty Fantasy Football Value: Why He's A Screaming Buy
Jake Trowbridge and Chris Allen break down why they're targeting Quentin Johnston as a player to acquire in dynasty fantasy football leagues in the 2026 offseason.
Quentin Johnston's 2025 season both pleased fantasy investors and left them wanting more. It was crystal clear that there was more meat left on this bone. With a new OC in Los Angeles and an offseason to get the offensive line healthy, what does Johnston's dynasty fantasy football value look like ahead of the 2026 offseason? Jake and Chris dive in ...
Buy Or Sell Quentin Johnston In Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Jake: Every time we try to kick this guy to the curb, he does just enough to keep himself in the conversation. QJ apologists looked equal parts smart and smug through the first four weeks of the season, when he was the WR4 in fantasy and the leading target earner for the Chargers. Lots of “never wrong, just early” takes left their draft folders. But then, like a fart in the wind, he disappeared, only to resurface in the last two games of the fantasy season.
So, what's to blame for Johnston’s deflated season? His hamstring injury, which kept him out of action in Week 6 and possibly lingered throughout the year? The loss of Joe Alt, the heart of LA’s offensive line, after Johnston returned? I think the answer is simply … yes. Oh, you want me to make more excuses? Fine then:
- I don’t expect Keenan Allen to rejoin the team.
- The playcalling should look much more creative with Mike McDaniel at the helm.
- A new o-line coach should help make Justin Herbert’s life much easier.
This all favors Johnston, who still has the raw materials to be a difference-maker. I’m very comfortable sending a second-round rookie pick from the weak 2026 draft class to get him.
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Chris: Based on Jake's description of Quentin Johnston, he's some mix of Anton Chigurh, Boris the Blade, Michael Myers and The Terminator. We leave him for dead, and he keeps showing back up. In other words, there's some surprise Johnston is still a part of the Chargers' game plan after a disappointing rookie campaign. But let me present a different case.
- Target Rate (w/ a clean pocket): 22.9%, 1st (out of the three LAC WRs)
- Air Yard Share: 36.2%, 1st
- Yards per Route Run: 2.55, 1st
I compare a clean pocket to the original intent of the play. I can't imagine then-OC Greg Roman setting up a scenario where Justin Herbert would be running for his life. In other words, Johnston leading the team in target rate and air yards when the offense was working as intended should be a larger story. Actually, his efficiency should be the bigger point.
Johnston played just 14.5% of his snaps outside. That's the seventh-fewest of any WR with a route rate over 70%. But his 2.55 YPRR would put him in the top 20. Playing on the perimeter doesn't lend itself to lay-up targets or YAC. So, at worst, we're looking at (some, a little bit, minor, whatever descriptor you want to use) talent improvement. And Johnston's situation should be brightening up, too.
The Chargers have a progressive playcaller at OC, and Herbert's protective unit will be healthy (and, hopefully, improved) by Week 1. I'm with Jake that Keenan Allen won't be back. I'd trade for Johnston now if I could.
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