Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 5th, 2024, 4:25 ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Network: CBS
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: Start, QB1*
The playoff implications for the Chargers will be crucial to follow ahead of Week 18. If the Steelers win against the Bengals on Saturday night, the Chargers will be locked into the 6 seed and will have nothing to play for on Sunday. In that case, Justin Herbert and several other starters would be likely to rest. If the Steelers lose, the Chargers could move up to the 5 seed with a win, and the starters will likely play. If Herbert does play, he’s a solid back-end QB1 play against a Raiders defense that allows the eighth-most points to the position.
Running Back
J.K. Dobbins: Start, RB2*
Kimani Vidal: Sit*
Yet another situation that requires monitoring ahead of Sunday’s action. J.K. Dobbins performed well in his return to action in Week 17 and would be a strong RB2 play if he indeed suits up this week. He should have another strong workload and will have a good chance to score against the Raiders in what should be a beatdown at full strength. If he doesn’t play, Kimani Vidal would likely operate as the lead back and would be an iffy FLEX option.
Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey: Start, WR1
Quentin Johnston: FLEX Option, WR3
The same caveats apply here, but Ladd McConkey is having an excellent finish to his rookie season and should be started as a low-end WR1 as long as he’s on the field. His performance against the Patriots in Week 17 gave him over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie. McConkey has solidified himself as Justin Herbert’s top target ahead of Quentin Johnston, who will be a middling FLEX option if Josh Palmer misses this week with a foot injury.
Tight End
Sit All
While Stone Smartt is a first-team all-name player this season, neither he nor Will Dissly should be in your fantasy lineups for Week 18.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Aidan O’Connell: Sit, QB2
Aidan O’Connell is yet to record a top-12 QB finish this season, and that trend isn’t likely to break against the Chargers, who allow the tenth-fewest points to opposing QBs. If you’re in a Superflex league and find yourself needing a streamer thanks to other QBs sitting this week, AOC isn’t the worst option in the world, but both a low floor and ceiling make him a risky play unless you’re desperate.
Running Back
Ameer Abdullah: Start, RB2
Alexander Mattison: FLEX Option, RB3
Ameer Abdullah has been an absolute beast in the fantasy playoffs, turning in three straight top-15 finishes in Weeks 15-17. Though he missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury, he would be a strong RB2 play if he does suit up. The Chargers are a tough matchup for RBs, but Abdullah’s workload and involvement in the passing game give him a safe floor in almost any matchup. If Abdullah misses the season finale, Alexander Mattison would be an iffy FLEX option, as he hasn’t shown much burst in his first season in Las Vegas. Mattison is averaging a meager 3.2 yards per carry.
Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers: Start, WR2
Tre Tucker: Sit
Jakobi Meyers has teetered the WR2/FLEX borderline for much of the season, and he finds himself in the same spot in Week 18 with a slight bump thanks to a few studs resting. He’s seen a strong target volume from AOC the past several weeks, though those targets haven’t translated to a ton of yardage. He has a safe floor, especially in PPR leagues, while Tre Tucker and the rest of the Raiders receivers should be left on the bench.
Tight End
Brock Bowers: Start, TE1
Brock Bowers continues to put together one of the most impressive rookie seasons we’ve ever seen from a tight end. He should be started in all formats as he looks to put an exclamation mark on a fantastic campaign.