Now that all of the head coaching vacancies have been filled, it’s time to see if we can identify the immediate fantasy impact. Some players should benefit from a new regime (or a continuation of an old one) while others may regret their new coaches. Either way, it’s never too early to start looking at next season.
Los Angeles Chargers
New head coach: Anthony Lynn
Winner: Melvin Gordon, RB
Already projected to be a top pick in 2017 fantasy drafts, Gordon’s stock should soar even higher now that Anthony Lynn is the new head coach in Los Angeles. Despite the Chargers finishing just 22nd in rush attempts in 2016 and Gordon missing the last three games of the season, Gordon ran for just shy of 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 400 more receiving yards. He finished as a top-10 fantasy running back and ended up as PFF’s fourth-rated running back after finishing 61st the year before. With Lynn now in place, expect the Chargers to run more. Last season in Buffalo, his lone season as an offensive coordinator, Lynn’s offense tied for the league lead in rushing attempts per game with 30.8. Compare that to the 24.9 the Chargers ran and the Chargers could see as many as 100 additional rush attempts on the season, with a good chunk of those going to Gordon.
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