A familiar AFC West rivalry takes on a very different feel this time around with Chiefs vs. Chargers 2.0. The Los Angeles Chargers are playing a good brand of football at exactly the right time, while the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to answer the bell for much of the season. For fantasy managers, this matchup flips the usual script: trust the Chargers’ stability and tread carefully with some of Kansas City’s biggest names.
Matchup Breakdown
Los Angeles has found balance and confidence behind Justin Herbert, mixing in a pass-heavy approach with backs who contribute through the air. Kansas City, meanwhile, has been inconsistent offensively, leaning on short gains and struggling to generate explosive plays. That reality forces fantasy managers to make uncomfortable, but necessary decisions.
Chargers Starts
Kareem Hunt (RB, Chiefs)
Hunt has quietly been one of the more consistent pieces in this offense lately. He’s getting reliable touches and continues to find the end zone. Even in a tough matchup, volume plus red-zone usage makes him a solid start.
Rashee Rice (WR, Chiefs)
Kansas City needs a bounce-back game from its WR1, and this is the spot. Rice remains the focal point of the passing attack and should see plenty of targets as the Chiefs try to keep pace. Trust the talent and usage.
Justin Herbert (QB, Chargers)
Herbert has put together a strong season and has the Chargers in a great position down the stretch. He’s seeing the field well, spreading the ball around, and avoiding costly mistakes. Against a vulnerable Chiefs defense, Herbert is a confident QB1.
Flex Plays
Xavier Worthy (WR, Chiefs)
Worthy led the team in targets last week, but the production didn’t follow. That volume is hard to ignore. He’s a high-upside flex who just needs one big play or red-zone look to pay off.
Kimani Vidal or Omarion Hampton (RBs, Chargers)
This backfield is trending toward a split, but both backs are heavily involved in the passing game. In PPR formats, either is a usable flex thanks to their reception floors.
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Ladd McConkey (WR, Chargers)
McConkey led the Chargers in targets last week, separating himself from a group of otherwise pedestrian options. Herbert trusts him, and that alone makes McConkey a strong flex play.
Chiefs Sits
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs)
This is not an easy call, but Mahomes has been struggling, and the weekly ceiling hasn’t been there. Against a Chargers defense playing with confidence, Mahomes is more risk than reward unless you’re desperate.
Travis Kelce (TE, Chiefs)
One catch last week tells the story. Kelce’s role has diminished, and the explosiveness just isn’t there right now. Until the usage rebounds, he’s a tough start despite the name value.
Final Takeaway
This rivalry still carries weight, but fantasy managers need to adjust to the reality of 2025. Ride the Chargers’ momentum with Herbert and his emerging weapons, and be selective with Kansas City’s stars. In a matchup where Los Angeles looks like the steadier team, fantasy success comes from trusting current trends, not past reputations.
