The NFL’s first-ever game in Brazil brings a fresh twist to the fantasy slate, and it’s a good one: Chiefs vs. Chargers, two high-powered offenses with plenty of DFS juice. An AFC West showdown comes to South America as Patrick Mahomes will look to rebound after a pitiful Super Bowl Performance, while Justin Herbert normally shows up against the Chiefs.
Neutral-site games can get weird. Travel, crowd energy, and unfamiliar conditions might shake things up. That volatility makes this matchup perfect for stacking, but finding the right low-cost breakout could be the difference between cashing and busting.
Lock of the Game
Travis Kelce
Kansas City Chiefs
VS.
Los Angeles Chargers
$5.2K DraftKings, $6.1K FanDuel
This is a must-play, as Travis Kelce normally destroys the Chargers secondary. It is also early enough in the year where Kelce should be the most healthy and without Rashee Rice, he could be the go-to target for Mahomes once again. Last year, he had five catches and seven catches in both matchups for 89 and 45 yards. But he is coming off his worst statistically year on touchdowns with just three, that should come back to his career-normal of over four or five at the very least in 2025.
Start ‘Em
Ladd McConkey
Los Angeles Chargers
VS.
Kansas City Chiefs
$6.7K DraftKings, $7.6K FanDuel
The Laddster had a great rookie debut against a tough KC secondary, going for five catches, 67 yards, and a touchdown. Although the Chargers brought back veteran Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey is still the top target and can be Justin Herbert’s top option through the air.
With the Chiefs run defense, it could force the Bolts to play catch up if Kansas City has a lead early, which normally they do in this divisonal matchup. With the lack of serious weapons, that could force a high percentage of targets to Ladd early and often.
Marquise Brown
Kansas City Chiefs
VS.
Los Angeles Chargers
$4K DraftKings, $5.5K FanDuel
While Xavier Worthy could be the deep ball threat like he was down the stretch in 2024, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown could be the other target down field. He dealt with an injury during training camp but is the projected starter on the outside without Rice, while Juju Smith-Schuster fills in for the slot position.
Brown’s price is way more affortable and is a contrarian pick to Worthy, who many know is the focal point along with Kelce. The Chargers will have Donte Jackson as their starter on the outside along with Cam Hart. This is the healthiest Hollywood will ever be and is worth the gamble Week 1 as a dart throw.
Sit ‘Em
Isiah Pacheco
Kansas City Chiefs
VS.
Los Angeles Chargers
$5.7K DraftKings, $5.9K FanDuel
Even though Pacheco is back and healthy, the Chiefs did add multiple backs this offseason. Similar to the Chargers, I see them having more success through the air, at least early. Unless he is highly efficent and rushes for multiple touchdowns, I don’t see him paying off for DFS, as I think airing it out will be the emphasis for their offense to kick off Week 1.
Omarion Hampton
Los Angeles Chargers
VS.
Kansas City Chiefs
$6K DraftKings, $5.5K Fanduel
Even when the rookie was announced as the starter, I’m surprised FanDuel is treating the veteran Najee Harris as a starter, despite coming off an eye injury that sidelined him all of training camp. Regardless, the Chiefs had a top ten run defense in 2024 and it is unclear if the Chargers can establish the run early enough to keep a lead. Hampton is still a better play over Harris due to the mispricing based on the inital depth chart.
Fade of the Game
Najee Harris
Los Angeles Chargers
VS.
Kansas City Chiefs
$5K DraftKings, $5.9K FanDuel
It’s clear to see why Najee is a fade, he is projected to be the backup behind rookie Hampton and again to reiterate, the Chiefs have a stout run defense with Chris Jones, and solid tackling linebackers like Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, and Drue Tranquill. I don’t think the game script would favor the Chargers running the ball throughout.
