Daiyan Henley carved out a breakout night while fighting a fever, piling up 10 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, two passes defended and a late interception as the Chargers opened 2-0 against the Raiders. His grit underscored a bigger defensive rise under Jesse Minter and set the stage for ongoing IDP value in LA.

With Junior Colson out for the year and Denzel Perryman on IR, Henley’s role grows as Herbert’s offense finds rhythm with Johnston and the rest of LA’s weapons. The performance signals promising fantasy upside for the Chargers’ defenders and a tougher challenge for opponents facing LA’s revamped run-and-pass schemes.

Jim Harbaugh's initial draft with the Los Angeles Chargers shows his inclination to recruit familiar faces, particularly former Michigan players. Notably, he added Junior Colson and Cornelius Johnson, leveraging his inside knowledge of their capabilities. This connection gives the Chargers a strategic advantage as they consider potential draftees like Colston Loveland, a tight end prospect who has proven to be an asset in Michigan's offense.

However, another standout player on Harbaugh's radar is Josaiah Stewart, an edge rusher who has been undervalued thus far. With key players like Khalil Mack facing free agency and Joey Bosa's future uncertain, Stewart could be a significant addition to bolster the Chargers' pass rush. After transferring to Michigan from Coastal Carolina, Stewart made a noteworthy impression, racking up 8.5 sacks in 2024, showcasing his potential to thrive within Jesse Minter's defensive scheme.

The NFL Playoffs are set to commence, showcasing rookie impacts on team performances. A look at the rankings highlights the Washington Commanders at the top, with standout contributions from their draft picks, particularly quarterback Jayden Daniels. Minnesota’s rookies, however, have largely underperformed, with no offensive snaps recorded. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills feature rookies contributing in specific roles, while others, like the Detroit Lions, struggle to leverage their young talent effectively.

As the playoffs approach, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams find success through exceptional rookie performances, particularly in the secondary and on the defensive front. Conversely, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions face challenges due to limited rookie impact. The rankings reflect how crucial rookie talent has been in shaping playoff aspirations, with Washington's draft class proving to be a game-changer for their postseason run.