The Chiefs are clawing to keep their AFC dominance alive, while the Raiders are fighting to climb back into the playoff hunt: a win here would pull them to 3–4 and right back in the mix. Both teams picked up victories last week, and with plenty of offensive firepower on display, fantasy owners could be in for a treat. Both teams enter this divisional showdown with something to prove.
🔥 Start/Sit Ratings Table
| Player | Team | Recommendation | Rating (⭐ out of 5) | Notes |
| Patrick Mahomes (QB) | Chiefs | 🔥 Start | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Gets a key weapon back; QB1 upside this week |
| Rashee Rice (WR) 💪 | Chiefs | 🔥 Start | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fresh legs and likely to be targeted early and often |
| Travis Kelce (TE) | Chiefs | 🔥 Start | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Rice’s return opens up lanes; elite TE play |
| Xavier Worthy (WR) 💪 | Chiefs | 🔥 Flex | ⭐⭐⭐ | Deep threat who can score from anywhere |
| Hollywood Brown (WR) 💪 | Raiders | 🔥 Flex | ⭐⭐⭐ | Coming off 2-TD performance; trending up |
| Isiah Pacheco (RB) 💤 | Chiefs | 💤 Sleeper | ⭐⭐⭐ | Lead back role solidifying; touchdown upside |
| Ashton Shanty (WR) | Raiders | 🔥 Start | ⭐⭐⭐ | Reliable rookie; 80 yards and a TD in play |
| Tre Tucker (WR) | Raiders | 🔥 Start | ⭐⭐⭐ | WR1 by necessity with injuries to Meyers and Bowers |
| Geno Smith (QB) | Raiders | 💤 Sleeper | ⭐⭐ | Streamer only in deep leagues; 3 TDs last week vs weak defense |
| Raiders Defense | Raiders | 🧊 Sit | ⭐ | Tough matchup vs Mahomes and a reloaded Chiefs offense |
🔥 Starts
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
Mahomes is in line for a big day as he gets one of his most valuable offensive weapons back. Expect a sharper rhythm in the passing game and a possible three-touchdown performance against a Raiders defense that has been inconsistent all season.
Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs 💪
Rice makes his first start of the season and should be featured early to establish timing and confidence. His fresh legs and explosive ability make him a high-upside WR2 play this week.
What Reshee Rice’s return really means for the Chiefs – Sam McDowell KansasCity.com
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
Kelce had 70+ yards last week and should find more room to operate with Rice stretching the field. Another steady TE1 week incoming.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs 💪
While Rice’s return may slightly cut into his target share, Worthy’s game-breaking speed keeps him fantasy-relevant. A flex option who can score from anywhere on the field.
Hollywood Brown, WR, Raiders 💪
Brown’s two-touchdown performance last week gave him a jolt of fantasy life. As the Raiders’ top playmaker, he’s a solid WR3/Flex with big-play upside.
Ashton Jeanty, WR, Raiders
The rookie has quietly become one of the most consistent weapons in the Raiders’ offense. Expect steady volume with a good chance for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders
With Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers both banged up, Tucker should lead the team in targets. He’s a strong WR3 start this week in PPR formats.
Michael Mayer, re Tucker Turn it up in Week – Bill Williamson via silverandblackpride.com
💤 Sleepers
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs 💤
Pacheco’s workload ticked up last week, and he’s starting to pull away as the clear RB1. Expect solid yardage with touchdown potential, though Kareem Hunt could vulture red-zone carries.
Geno Smith, QB, Raiders 💤
Only start in an emergency or superflex spot. He tossed 3 TDs last week: but that was against the Titans’ defense, not the Chiefs’. Still, worth a flyer in deeper formats.
🧊 Sit
Raiders Defense 🧊
Divisional matchups can be tricky, but this isn’t the week to get cute. With Mahomes getting key weapons back, the Raiders’ defense will struggle to keep pace. Keep them far away from your starting lineup.
Prediction:
Mahomes reasserts control of the AFC West as the Chiefs’ offense hums again with Rice’s return. The Raiders hang around early but can’t contain the combination of Kelce and Pacheco.
Final Score: Chiefs 31 – Raiders 20
