Chargers vs Chiefs: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Fantasy Football

John Robinson | Sep 28, 2024

Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis (43) after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers gear up for their toughest test of the season as they are scheduled for a home matchup against AFC West Divisional Rival the Kanas City Chiefs. There are a number of players who are looking to make an impact in this showdown on Sunday, but deciding which players to start or sit for fantasy can be trivial. Here is a list of players that fantasy owners should consider utilizing or tucking away in week four.

1. Start: Quentin Johnston

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images / Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The second-year wide receiver has been a touchdown machine over the last two weeks of the season. In a new run-heavy offense, Johnston has emerged as the go to deep threat for this Chargers' passing attack. Johnston has looked more confident than ever and should be a good option as a WR3 on most lineups.

2. Sit: Justin Herbert

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Herbert was listed as questionable in the Chargers' final injury report, which is concerning after the franchise quarterback reaggravated his ankle in week three against the Steelers. It is likely that Herbert won't be asked to do a lot if he is unable to move comfortably which means the offensive gameplan will be predicated more on the run.

3. Start: J.K. Dobbins

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) turns the corner away from Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (47) for a touchdown run during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Chargers' leading rusher is having a resurgence this season and has been a fantasy darling three weeks into the season. Due to the injury to Herbert's ankle, this offense will rely heavily on Dobbins's explosiveness in the run game. For fantasy owners, Dobbins is easily an RB2 in a majority of lineups.

4. Start: Rashee Rice

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) scores a touchdown past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Rice has become Patrick Mahomes main target through three weeks of the NFL season. With the other pass-catchers around him utilized in complementary roles, Rice is a must-start this weekend.

5. Sit: Travis Kelce

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kelce has seen career lows across the board in his statistics this season. It seems like the future Hall of Famer is beginning to age and those dominant performances fans have been used to may start to become more sparingly throughout the year.

6. Sit: Carson Steele

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele (42) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

With Kareem Hunt set to be active this week against the Chargers, it is likely that Steele's touches will drop on Sunday. After being the leading rusher for the Chiefs in week three, fantasy owners should feel as enticed to start Steele. Hunt's familiarity with the Kansas City offense may prove to be a detriment to Steele's production.

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