Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 7th, 2024, 4:25 PM ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Betting Odds: Chargers -3.5, O/U 35 via OddsShark
Network: CBS
Writer: Christian Otteman (@COttemanPL on Twitter/X)
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterbacks
Blaine Gabbert (Sit, QB2)
The Kansas City Chiefs are locked into the third seed in the AFC, so Andy Reid is opting to sit many of his stars, including Patrick Mahomes II. This means Blaine Gabbert will head up quarterbacking duties for the Chiefs in a meaningless Week 18 matchup. The good news for those desperate for a start in Week 18 is that the Los Angeles Chargers allow the fourth-most points to QBs, meaning Gabbert at least has a chance to make things work in a week with a shallow pool of startable quarterbacks. However, he will likely be without several other weapons, such as Travis Kelce and potentially Rashee Rice, so Gabbert is a risky start at best.
Running Backs
Isiah Pacheco (Sit), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Start, FLEX)
Isiah Pacheco has been nursing a myriad of injuries over the past month, most recently a quad in addition to a nagging shoulder injury. With the Chiefs locked into the 3 seed, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pacheco rest up and get healthier for the playoffs so he can run at full steam. This means Clyde Edwards-Helaire is likely the Chiefs running back to start in this Week 18 matchup against the Chargers. CEH possesses FLEX value based on projected volume alone, but we could also see the likes of La’Mical Perine and Deneric Prince mixing in for carries. The best move here is to convince your commissioner to end the playoffs in Week 17 to avoid ambiguous situations such as these going forward.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
Rashee Rice (Sit), Kadarius Toney (Sit), Richie James Jr. (Sit), Justin Watson (Sit), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Sit), Travis Kelce (Sit), Noah Gray (Sit, TE2)
As of the time of writing this article, it’s entirely unclear which Chiefs pass-catchers will be playing this week, though it seems likely that at least Travis Kelce and possibly Rashee Rice will be taking a seat to rest up. It’s a shame, as the Chargers present a great matchup; the team allows the third-most points to opposing receivers. If Rice does indeed sit, some of the Chiefs’ ancillary receivers such as Justin Watson and Richie James Jr. may be sneaky FLEX plays this week, but it’s hard to give a strong recommendation with Blaine Gabbert throwing them the ball. Of all Chiefs pass-catchers, the one I like the best this week is actually Noah Gray, as Kelce is likely to sit. Gray could act as a security blanket for Gabbert and function as a decent TE streaming option. As for the receivers, you’ll essentially be closing your eyes, spinning around three times, and throwing a dart at a rotating dart board. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Easton Stick (Sit, QB2)
In his relief of the injured Justin Herbert, North Dakota State product Easton Stick has yet to produce a QB1 finish and has thrown for only three touchdowns. He now faces a Chiefs defense allowing the sixth-fewest points to opposing QBs, a unit that should still be stingy even if some of their starters sit. Even in this week with slim pickings at the position, I can’t in good faith recommend Stick as a start. He’s a desperation option in Superflex leagues and nothing more.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler (Start, FLEX)
It’s quite possible this week will mark the end of Austin Ekeler‘s tenure as a Charger as the once-dynamic back heads into free agency following the 2023 season. Whether it’s due to age, injury, loss of supporting cast, or a combination thereof, Ekeler faded fast in the second half of the season and ranks as nothing more than a FLEX option in Week 18. Ekeler is certain to give it his all in what could be his swan song as a Charger, but I won’t blame you if you decide to go with other options at the position. Thanks for everything, Austin.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Joshua Palmer (Sit, FLEX), Quentin Johnston (Sit, FLEX), Alex Erickson (Sit), Gerald Everett (Start, TE2)
Nursing an injury since Week 14, it’s unlikely that Keenan Allen will play in Week 18 in the final game of a lost season for the Chargers. Joshua Palmer was also unable to play in Week 17 due to a concussion but logged limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, giving him a chance to suit up on Sunday. The bad news for him is that the Chiefs allow the second-fewest points to opposing receivers, making this a tough matchup, even if L’Jarius Sneed sits out.
Quentin Johnston has been heavily scrutinized during his rookie season, and being outplayed by 31-year-old Alex Erickson in Week 17 certainly did not help his case. It’s hard to imagine any Chargers pass-catchers being viable options in the final week of the regular season with Easton Stick at quarterback and a projected game total of 35. If you must, Gerald Everett could be the best option of the bunch simply due to attrition on his own team and the lack of playable options at the tight end position in general. He slides in towards the top of the TE2 ranks for this week.