Game Info
Kickoff: Friday, September 5th, 2025, 8:00 PM ET
Location: Corinthians Arena, São Paulo, Brazil
Network: YouTube
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes: START, QB1
Despite the projected low game total and missing stud receiver Rashee Rice, I’m still bullish on Patrick Mahomes’ Week 1 status as a QB1. International games are always a wildcard when it comes to scoring, but the Eagles and Packers put up over 60 total points in the very same venue in Week 1 of last season. The Chiefs have emphasized they’re bringing back the explosive passing element of the offense that’s been missing these past few seasons. I think we’ll see some fireworks in Brazil.
Running Back
Isiah Pacheco: START, RB2
Kareem Hunt: SIT
Elijah Mitchell: SIT
Isiah Pacheo is locked in as an every-week starter; he’ll just fluctuate between high to low-end RB2 depending on the matchup. Considering the matchup (the Chargers gave up the third fewest fantasy points to the position last season), he’s on the lower end of that spectrum for Week 1. One of Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, or rookie Brashard Smith could develop into FLEX consideration, but their usage is too unpredictable at this point to risk starting any of them.
Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy: START, WR2
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown: FLEX, WR4
JuJu Smith-Schuster: SIT
Xavier Worthy was able to come down with a 54-yard touchdown reception when these two teams met in 2024, but he only had two additional catches for 19 yards. He’s a volatile WR2 with a wide range of outcomes, but he’s a fixture in most lineups until Rashee Rice returns. Hollywood Brown is the Temu version of Worthy, offering a lower ceiling and a floor of zero. Don’t bother with JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Tight End
Travis Kelce: START, TE1
Despite finishing with fewer than 900 receiving yards for the first time since 2015, Kelce finished 2024 as the TE5. He’s no longer the elite option he once was, but Kelce is locked in as an every-week starter based on volume alone.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: SIT, QB2 (Startable in SuperFlex)
After averaging over 40 pass attempts per game over his first three seasons, that number dropped to 32 over the last two. He’s certainly been more efficient, but the drop in volume has dropped Justin Herbert’s fantasy ceiling to borderline QB1 at best. Herbert had just one game over 300 passing yards and one game with more than two passing touchdowns in 2024. He’s firmly planted on my bench in Week 1 with the Harbaugh-Roman run-first scheme.
Running Back
Omarion Hampton: START, RB2
Najee Harris: SIT
It’s still uncertain if Jack Sparrow Najee Harris will suit up for Week 1, and that will play a significant role in where Omarion Hampton ranks among RB2s. Hampton is studly enough to have the upside to finish any week as the top fantasy back in all the land. But if Harris is indeed active, Hampton’s floor could be lower than we’d like if Harris chips away at even 30-40% of his workload. You can’t start Harris until we see what the backfield split is like.
Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey: START, WR2
Keenan Allen: FLEX, WR5
Quentin Johnston: SIT
Tre’ Harris: SIT
The only Chargers wide receiver I’m comfortable starting is Ladd McConkey. I know there’s excitement for Keenan Allen once again donning the beautiful powder blues, but I’m only starting the 33-year-old in the deepest of leagues. I had a take on Quentin Johston around here somewhere, but I dropped it. Rookie Tre’ Harris is a stash for now, but certainly someone to keep an eye on. Rookie receivers are always risky bets early on in their first season, especially as the third option in a run-first scheme.
Tight End
Will Dissly: SIT
Lol.