Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Network: CBS
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Patrick MahomesGardner Minshew II: SIT, QB2 (startable in Superflex)
For the first time in a long time, the Chiefs won’t be playing football in late January or early February. And to smash rock salt in the wound, Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, ending his season and putting his start of next season in question. It’s a gut punch right in the belly button for fantasy managers and Chiefs fans alike. But there is a small shimmer of a silver lining that’s probably coming from the reflection of the sun on a Coors Light can: We get to see this man in action.
It goes without saying that he’s not Mahomes, but Gardner Minshew is more than just a beautiful mane of body hair. He can sling the rock a little bit. He’ll have a plethora of weapons at his disposal and get to face the Titans in his first start as a Chief. This is the same Tennessee defense that made Shedeur Sanders look like Peyton Manning. I’m not recommending starting Minshew in 1QB leagues, but he’s a solid option in Superflex.
Running Back
Kareem Hunt: FLEX, RB3
Isiah Pacheco: SIT
Brashard Smith: SIT
Even as disappointing as Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco have been most of the season, if Mahomes were under center, I’d have no qualms about firing either up against the Titans. But despite the top-10 fantasy matchup or any extra work they may see as the Chiefs likely try to lean on the run game, I’m worried they’ll get a heaping helping of eight men in the box with teams daring to beat them through the air. Neither of the two has scored double-digit fantasy points over the past three weeks, but I’ll trot out Hunt as a flex considering the matchup and his role as the goal line back. I want no part of Pacheco.
Wide Receiver
Rashee Rice: START, WR2 *in concussion protocol*
Xavier Worthy: FLEX, WR4
Hollywood Brown: SIT | FLEX (if Rice inactive)
The bad news keeps coming for Kansas City, as Rashee Rice was placed in concussion protocol on Wednesday, putting his status in serious doubt for Sunday. If he’s able to clear protocol and play against the Titans, he’s a WR2 with a wide range of outcomes. Xavier Worthy is worth considering for flex with or without Rice on the field, but his floor rises quite a bit if he’s out. Hollywood Brown would be in flex consideration if Rice is out, but it’s not one I’m trying to force into my lineup, despite the top-10 fantasy matchup.
Tight End
Travis Kelce: START, TE1
Travis Kelce bounced back against the Chargers and led all Chiefs pass catchers with seven catches for 70 yards, and he may not be in as much trouble for fantasy as you’d think. Minshew threw a total of five passes after he took over for Mahomes, and four of them went to Kelce. The offense won’t be as productive, but Kelce should keep a solid floor and a respectable upside if Minshew hyper-targets him.
Defense/Special Teams
Kansas City Chiefs: START
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback
Cam Ward: SIT
Now I know I’ve been harsh in my weekly analysis of Cam Ward, with the word count probably one of the few things that totals less than his touchdown passes this season. But I give credit when it’s due, and Ward has looked slightly better as of late. He followed up his first multi-touchdown game with another one in Week 15, thanks to the Titans actually giving him some time to throw and his first game as a pro without being sacked. The 2025 No. 1 overall pick is nowhere near consideration for fantasy lineups, but it’s a positive to see him making progress.
Running Back
Tony Pollard: FLEX, RB3
Tyjae Spears: SIT
Apparently, Tony Pollard decided 13 weeks of mediocrity was enough. Because his out-of-nowhere top-10 finish was followed up with another. Pollard ran for 104 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers for his second straight game over 18 fantasy points. Over the last three weeks, Pollard ranks top five in yards per carry and just outside it in explosive-run rate. This crazy run could end as abruptly as it began, but the man is 🔥en fuego🔥, and I’d be a fool not to consider him at least a flex. Kansas City is a bottom-10 matchup, but the way this man is running, it may not matter.
Wide Receiver
Elic Ayomanor: SIT
Van Jefferson: SIT
Chimere Dike: SIT
Despite the recent improved play from Ward, no Titans receiver is in consideration to start for fantasy. The trio has a combined three games over 10 points in Tennessee’s last five games.
Tight End
Chig Okonkwo: SIT
Gunnar Helm: SIT
Chig Okonkwo led the Titans in targets, catching four of six for 33 yards and a tremendous 7.3 fantasy points. Chig isn’t on the fantasy radar, and his running mate, Gunnar Helm, may not be for this season, but he’s a name to remember for next. He’s seen more involvement as of late and came down with the second touchdown of his career against the Niners.
Defense/Special Teams
Tennessee Titans: SIT
I will reiterate: the Titans made Shedeur Sanders look like Peyton Manning.