This Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants feels like a fantasy football nightmare on paper. Both teams are full of question marks, and neither has inspired much confidence to open the season. Kansas City, surprisingly, sits at 0-2 and has been sluggish offensively for fantasy managers. Meanwhile, the Giants have struggled to find consistent weapons beyond Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Chiefs, defiant amid 0-2 start, aim to bounce back vs. Giants – Full Level Media via aol.com
Still, there’s hope here, and it lies mostly on the Chiefs’ side. This game provides Kansas City with a get-right opportunity, especially against a New York defense that has already given up big games to multiple skill players. Let’s break down who you should trust and who belongs on your bench.
Start ‘Em 🔥
Patrick Mahomes – QB, Chiefs 🔥
Mahomes hasn’t lived up to his draft capital so far, but this matchup gives him a chance to rebound. The Giants’ pass defense has been leaky, and Mahomes’ legs have been a bigger factor than expected (2 rushing scores already this season). Expect him to use both arms and legs to steady the ship.
Projected Stat Line: 24/36 passing, 276 yards, 2 TDs; 6 carries, 31 yards, 1 rushing TD
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown – WR, Chiefs 🔥
Brown has quietly become Mahomes’ most trusted receiver. Against the Chargers, he saw 16 targets, converting them into 10 catches for 99 yards. His role as a volume-heavy WR1 in Kansas City’s offense makes him a must-start this week against a Giants secondary that has allowed chunk plays in both games this season.
Projected Stat Line: 8 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
Cam Skattebo – RB, Giants🔥
Skattebo continues to carve out a larger role in the Giants’ backfield. His combination of toughness as a runner and versatility as a pass-catcher makes him a solid flex play this week. Expect 10+ touches, including opportunities in the red zone.
Projected Stat Line: 12 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 21 yards
Wan’Dale Robinson – WR, Giants 🔥
Robinson has been the bright spot of the Giants’ passing game through two weeks. His line against Dallas (8-142-1 on 10 targets) and solid outing against Washington (6-55 on 8 targets) show that his chemistry with Russell Wilson is real. With defenses keying in on Nabers, Robinson should see another healthy dose of targets.
Projected Stat Line: 7 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD
Wandale Robinson, A Quarterback’s best friend – Dan Salomone via Giants.com.
Travis Kelce – TE, Chiefs 🔥
Kelce hasn’t produced vintage numbers, but he’s still one of Mahomes’ most reliable options. The Giants have already allowed a touchdown to Zach Ertz and given up a big game to Jake Ferguson. Kelce’s red-zone usage puts him firmly in start territory this week.
Projected Stat Line: 6 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Sit ‘Em ❄️
Kareem Hunt – RB, Chiefs ❄️
While Hunt has been sprinkled in, the Chiefs’ ground game belongs to Pacheco. Unless Hunt vultures a goal-line carry, his volume and yardage will be too low to trust.
Projected Stat Line: 6 carries, 19 yards; 1 reception, 6 yards
Tyrone Tracy Jr. – RB, Chiefs ❄️
Tracy’s role has diminished with Skattebo’s rise. His 10-carry, 24-yard outing against Washington highlighted his inefficiency, and this week doesn’t look any better.
Projected Stat Line: 5 carries, 17 yards
Sleeper Pick 🌙
Isiah Pacheco – RB, Chiefs 🌙
The Giants’ run defense has been gashed two weeks in a row, with Javonte Williams (97 yards, 1 TD on 18 carries) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (82 yards, 1 TD on 10 carries) putting up strong lines. Pacheco is the clear lead back and is in line for a breakout game. Start him as a sleeper with RB2 upside.
Projected Stat Line: 15 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 18 yards
Wrap-Up for Chiefs vs. Giants
The Chiefs vs. Giants matchup may look like a low-floor fantasy nightmare, but there’s value here if you pick the right players. Mahomes, Hollywood Brown, Skattebo, Robinson, and Kelce are your best bets, while Pacheco is primed to smash against a soft Giants front seven. Stay away from Hunt and Tracy Jr. unless you’re desperate.
For fantasy managers, this could be the week Kansas City’s offense finally gets rolling, and if it does, you’ll want to be invested.
All stats projections provided by ESPN Fantasy.
