RADIO
Welcome back to Mexico City. Last season, the Chiefs were supposed to take on the Rams in this game before field conditions moved the game to Los Angeles. Even though the game was moved, the fantasy output was amazing as both teams scored over 50 points and there was not an unhappy fan among us.
This year, while the fantasy output may not be quite as high, there is still plenty to go around when the Chiefs take on the other team in L.A.
Without a lot of unneeded numbers cluttering your mind, just know that if you have a player on either of these teams whom you would normally start, you are definitely doing so in this one.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers
Game Time: Monday, November 18, 2019 @ 8:15 pm
Game Line: Kansas City Chiefs -4 O/U 51.5
Team Records:
Kansas City Chiefs 6-4
Los Angeles Chargers 4-6
Kansas City Offensive Ranks: Pass 1st, Run 24th
Kansas City Defensive Ranks: Pass 8th, Run 31st
Los Angeles Offensive Ranks: Pass 8th, Run 26th
Los Angeles Defensive Ranks: Pass 5th, Run 18th
Must Starts
Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC) - Last season’s MVP has had a strong start again in 2019. Despite missing two full games, he is still a top-10 fantasy quarterback and has not missed a beat. Each and every week he is in the game, he is a must-start. There is no thinking about certain players. Mahomes is one of those players. After coming off a loss to Tennessee last week, this will be a huge game for the Chiefs as they try to remain ahead of the Raiders in the division. They must win and they will.
Philip Rivers (QB, LAC) - While Mahomes is the new-age star at QB, Rivers is the fiery old veteran. Both can get the job done in their own way. Rivers no longer has the arm he did. But his accuracy is still on point. The Kansas City defense has been surprisingly good against the pass, ranking eighth, but they are still susceptible to big games allowed. With Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and Hunter Henry in the pass game mix, expect Philip Rivers to throw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in the game.
Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC) - The number two running back for fantasy through six games, Ekeler is now the number two running back on the Chargers. But this does not mean he has no value. Despite losing his starting role in the backfield, Ekeler is still a top-24 back in PPR leagues. This is due to his incredible proclivity in the receiving game. He is almost guaranteed to garner you five receptions weekly. With those turning into good yardage and possibly a touchdown or two, he is very startable as a duo with running mate Melvin Gordon.
Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC) - When Gordon first came back from self-imposed exile, he looked bad. It took a few weeks for him to get in the fold but when he finally broke out against the Green Bay Packers, his owners were very relieved. Since then he has had another good game against the Oakland Raiders to boot. Against the 31st-ranked rush defense of the Chiefs, this should be another smash spot for Gordon. Even if he does not get to the 100-yard threshold in this one, a touchdown should be in store.
Damien Williams (RB, KC) - He has been disappointing for his fantasy owners this season but after a few good games and the unexpected benching of LeSean McCoy, he seems to have the backfield to himself again. Although not a high-floor play, Williams is the starting running back for Kansas City and in this matchup, all starters need to be in there. Especially if McCoy misses another game, this could be a 100-yard output for the underachieving Damien Williams. It may even turn out to be the first time this season you are truly happy to have started him.
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC) - After a string of good games to start the 2019 season, Allen has been awful since. Before scoring 15 fantasy points last week, it got so bad, he was apologizing to fantasy players after the game in Chicago. Like with Damien Williams on the other side of the ball, this should be a get-right game for Allen in Mexico City. If not, it may be time to reconsider his rest-of-season potential. Look for Allen to again be the main target for Philip Rivers. If he gets over 10 targets in this one as expected, he should get you solid WR1 numbers and could finish with his biggest game of the season. But let’s be fair, at this point, we would be satisfied with a touchdown from him.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC) - Since returning from injury, Tyrek Hill has been on a mission. Whether playing with Matt Moore or Patrick Mahomes, the speedy receiver has been unstoppable. Even chasing down Damien Williams on his 91-yard touchdown run to congratulate him was a way to flex his prowess on the field. Now that Patrick Mahomes is fully healthy, the top-10 receiver firmly moves into the top five of receivers for the rest of the season. He and the Chiefs have a bye after this game. But besides next week, Hill is never going to be out of your lineup the rest of the season, whether it be with Mahomes or Moore behind center.
Sammy Watkins (WR, KC) - Health has always been the concern with Watkins, and it continues to be this season. But we saw last week, when he is on the field, he has incredible skill to make plays. He is on the field in this one so he should also be in your starting lineup. It is hard to find a starter in this game that you do not want in your lineup. From Ekeler to Watkins and both Williams’, start them all.
Mike Williams (WR, LAC) - The WR2 on the Chargers is the number three or four target for the team and hasn't found the end zone. But he is still a start in this one. A big receiver, Williams followed up a bad injury-shortened rookie campaign in 2017 with a good season with 10 touchdowns. With Hunter Henry back now, his touchdown numbers have disappeared, but he is also freed up to have less coverage on him and this leads to more receptions. Not too bad of a tradeoff if you're at least looking for a decent floor.
Hunter Henry (TE, LAC) - Finally healthy, we have seen over the past month Henry has finally taken his spot among the elite tight ends in the NFL. It has been a long time coming for him to reach these heights. But he has finally made it and looks to stay there for many years. This said, he is only the second-best tight end in this game. But both should be started as both should have big games.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC) - Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL but the gap is narrowing. With players like Henry and George Kittle breathing down his neck, expect Kelce to have a big one here. One of his patented eight for 140 and two seems to be in store here. Besides, is anyone really thinking about sitting him anyway?
Consider Sitting
LeSean McCoy (RB, KC) - They sat him last week claiming it was pre-scheduled for load management. Funny this happened a week after losing a bad fumble against the Vikings.
Either way, this has again become Damien Williams' backfield. So, the true backup here does not get the start. Even scarier, he could be a last-minute healthy scratch again, thus leaving you in a struggle to find someone to play in his stead. Not something you want to worry about, especially with someone like Shady, whose limited upside makes it not worth the trouble. If Tyrek Hill was questionable? Sure, take the chance. But not with a player like McCoy. A player who isn’t going to be a league-winning dart throw anyway.
Potential Sleepers
Mecole Hardman (WR, KC) - It only takes one big play for Hardman to have an impact. His speed can open up the long play downfield and this can lead to a long touchdown reception. If this happens, you will be happy. But he is a true risk/reward play. If you need a Monday miracle, he might be a good shot. But don’t count on him or you might just get burned.
