Chiefs at Raiders
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 15th at 4:05 pm EST
Location: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Betting Odds: OAK +6.5, via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Sleeper Spotlight: Mecole Hardman
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
- Patrick Mahomes (Start/QB1)
Do I need to say more? Patrick Mahomes has picked up right where he left off from his MVP campaign of 2018. He threw for 378 yards for three touchdowns and no interceptions Week 1 against the Jaguars. I’m looking for more of the same against Oakland this week.
Running Backs
- Damien Williams (Start/RB2)
- LeSean McCoy (Start/FLEX)
We saw flashes of the old Shady in LeSean McCoy last week. Looking quite rejuvenated, he rushed for 81 yards on ten carries and as a result, I’d have no issue slotting him in my FLEX this week. Damien Williams only had 26 yards on 13 carries, but did find the end zone, as well as had six receptions for 39 yards. I believe it’s safe to assume he’ll see a similar carry and target share again.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Sammy Watkins (Start/WR1)
- Travis Kelce (Start/TE1)
- Mecole Hardman (Sit but add as a Week 3 sleeper candidate)
The loss of Tyreek Hill certainly hurts this offense, but shouldn’t ultimately end them. Sammy Watkins exploded verse Jacksonville to the tune of 198 yards on just nine receptions, and three touchdowns. If Watkins himself can stay healthy with Hill out for multiple weeks, look for him to remain a locked-in WR2, with potential to post WR1 numbers with Mahomes at the helm.
Travis Kelce is your gold standard TE1, who should have scored last week if it wasn’t for Mahomes getting a bit too cute with the no-look pass attempt his way.
My sleeper candidate may not find a slot in your lineup this week, but he is worth adding for the foreseeable future. Rookie receiver Mecole Hardman will have a chance to step it up with Hill out, especially for the fact that they have a similar skill set. I know I’m targeting him in some of my leagues as a speculative stash, who could very well play into FLEX consideration in the coming weeks.
Oakland Raiders
Quarterbacks
- Derek Carr (Start/QB2)
I’m willing to say Derek Carr posts QB2 numbers heading in what could be a high scoring affair. Carr looked great against the Broncos on Monday night, going 22/26 for 259 yards and a touchdown, despite all the off-field drama the team faced leading up to the game. I have no Carr stock in any of my leagues, but I wouldn’t be all that upset if I happened to.
Running Backs
- Joshua Jacobs (Start/RB2 or FLEX)
Hard Knocks camera-shy rookie Joshua Jacobs made his presence felt for ESPN’s cameras against Denver Week 1. He dominated the Oakland backfield, carrying the ball 23 times for 85 yards and two scores. It’s safe to say John Gruden will continue to feature Jacobs as his bell-cow back.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Tyrell Williams (Start/WR2 or WR3)
- Darren Waller (Start/TE2)
AB who? That’s the tone both the Raiders crowd and new team-WR1 Tyrell Williams set on MNF. Williams proved why he was worth his free-agent contract, reeling in six grabs for 105 yards and a touchdown. With Brown officially out of the picture, Williams will remain Carr’s go-to receiver and could play himself into steady WR2 numbers all season long. Depending on your league’s lineup format, consider Williams a WR2 or 3 option; he’s earned the right over just a FLEX option, and quite frankly his real-life situation opens that opportunity.
Hard Knocks fan favorite Darren Waller had himself a nice night, hauling in seven targets for 70 yards. As long as he can remain on the right path, Waller could very well end up being one of the seasons most slept-on tight ends; having been drafted late or not at all.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_)
12 team ppr .5
In my flex
John Brown or Jamison Crowder
Sam Darnold just contracted Mono and will miss week 2. Your decision has been made haha.
Brown for sure!
I see that you recommend sitting Robby. Would it be wise to start John Brown or Valdez-Scantling over him?
John Brown for me
John Ross or Mark Andrews at the flex position? 12 team ppr
That’s a really interesting decision. I would normally always want the wide receiver, but I’m still a little hesitant to trust Ross, and Andrews has an excellent matchup against the Cardinals. I think I like Andrews, but it’s close.
Marvin Jones or DK Metcalf for my WR2?
I would lean Marvin Jones. I don’t expect Lockett to only get 2 targets a week, so he could get more work at Metcalf’s expense.
I know it’s unconventional, but I have Devonta Freeman in my flex. With his performance last week, should I bench him for Mark Andrews? I already have Kittle at TE and don’t really think I should ever bench him. I also have Lat Murray on the bench and Mike Williams (since he’s questionable I put Allen Robinson in there).
By the way, I’m in a 12-man .5PPR
I think you’ve got to stick with Freeman for another week. Home against the Eagles should be a lot better than on the road against the Vikings. I’ll be more worried if he throws up a dud this week.
Having trouble deciding between Delanie Walker or Darren Waller for the TE spot this week. 8 man PPR league
I’d go with Delanie, let’s see what Waller can do one more time
who should i start as my flex? 12 team 1PPR. john brown, christian kirk, dante pettis, or chris thompson? thanks in advance!
I’d go Thompson – Brown – Kirk – Pettis in that order.
12 team/ .25ppr
Montgomery or A Robinson in my flex? Who will the bears lean on more?
That’s tough. I can’t trust Montgomery until they decide to give him the ball.
I’ve got John Ross III and Marquise Brown. Debating on starting one of them over Will Fuller in my flex spot. But also feeling a bit weary of my WR2 Josh Gordon. Thoughts?
Can you trade me one of them? HA! I’d go John Ross over Will Fuller.
Hockenson or Waller? And
Tyrell Williams or DJ Moore?
1pt PPR
Hock and DJ for me
Definitely Waller over Hockenson for me. The game environment should be a lot better for throwing against the Chiefs. I see the Lions really slowing down and establishing the run against the Chargers, who also play at a slow pace.
The other one is more of a toss-up. I think Moore is a better player and play normally but Thursday night games can get ugly. Williams has a great matchup and should have plenty of chances for volume against the Chiefs. Williams feels safer especially with Cam not looking great throwing the ball in week 1
Tyler Boyd or DJ Moore for my WR2?
Aaron Jones or Marlon Mack for my Flex? Other two RBs are David Johnson and Chris Carons.
10 man PPR league.
DJ and Mack
Who do I play?
.5ppr
10 team league
3 wrs + 2rbs + 1 flex
*Boyd/Keenan Allen/Diggs/DJ Moore
*Bell/Sony Michelle/D. Williams/D. Johnson
*Engram/Mark Andrews
D. Johnson
Bell (if healthy watch for that)
Allen
Diggs
Boyd
Sony — I do not think we need to overreact to week 1! He still got the bulk of the carries
Latavius Murray, Curtis Samuel, or Ronald Jones for Flex?
.5 PPR league
Thanks!
This is tough, between Latavius and Samuel for me. If you want safe I’d go Latavius.
Please help! Josh Gordan vs Miami or Evans vs Carolina? Who do I start
Evans
Josh Gordan, Mike Evans, or John Brown. Need two, one for WR2 and the Other for FLEX.
Gordon and Evans
Looking for advice – 14 team PPR league
2 WRs + 2 RB + 1 Flex
D Adams/J Edelman/M Gallup/J Ross
*J White/D Williams/C Thompson/M Breida
note my current starters – should I make changes? I’m mostly torn between playing Gallup, Breida or Thompson
that didn’t post right, but my starters are currently Adams, Edelman, Gallup, White and Williams
I’d leave it as is
Room for 3 WR- Stephon Diggs, Tyrell Williams, Larry Fitzgerald and Marquis Brown. Who sits?
Sit Brown
14 team non ppr stuck with Jameis as my QB, only other QBs on the wire are Keenum, Mariota, Minshew…. it’s a mess. Please help!
I think you gotta roll with Winston then
I would stick with Jameis a little longer. The best option out of all of those with most upside by far. He is known for having horrible weeks but also top-five weeks.
1pt ppr. need a RB and a Flex: Damien Williams, Marlon Mack, Holleywood Brown. which 2 would you start?
Both RBs
Lamar Jackson or Tom Brady (I’m leaning towards Brady, but the pats never do too hot against miami at miami)
(12 team PPR)
Pretty even, think I lean Lamar
Would this still be useful for a ten team, PPR ?
Thanks
Yes, still valuable. Rosters are just deeper so some of the fringe guys might be sitting in your league.
12 Team Standard – Flex Chris Thompson or Latavius Murray?
In a standard league, it is Murray for me. This game has a big total and should be fantasy friendly all around, giving Murray a nice chance at a TD. Not getting Thompson’s receptions takes away a lot of his value.
Looking for RB2 in 10 Team Standard – Duke Johnson Jr, Devin Singletary, Malcolm Brown or Ronald Jones II
All pretty close, but bc standard I may go with Brown for TD upside
Have a difficult FLEX decision to make in a 12 team full-PPR. Chris Thompson, Christian Kirk, Curtis Samuel, or TJ Hockenson? My gut says Thompson, but it’s a tough one.
Between Kirk or Thompson
Probably Thompson for me as well, Kirk would be 2nd choice. Redskins should need to throw a lot, falling behind the Cowboys.
Austin Hooper (vs Eagles) or Darren Waller (vs Chiefs) this week?
Forgot to include – 10 teams, half ppr
Waller
12 team .5 ppr flex
Pick 2
MVS
AJ Brown
Terry McLaurin
Robby Anderson
Mecole Hardman
Mark Andrew’s
(If im lucky I can flex Mixon in for one of these but not sure if he will even be worth playing through injury)
Ok, I’ve got only one questions… Carson Wentz or Dak Prescott? 10 team full PPR.
wentz
Pick 1 RB and 1 flex
Devonta Freeman, Chris Thompson
John Brown, John Ross, Terry McClaurin
Freeman and John Brown
8 team league so stacked options…
Sit Evans for: Tyrell Williams, Lockett, Larry Fitz?
Was strongly considering Tyrell just because it should be a shootout and he’s guaranteed the volume against a weak secondary.
12 team PPR
I have to pick one, who to start: James Crowder vs DJ Moore vs Cooper Kupp?
thanks
aaron jones or d freeman this week? RB2, full PPR thanks
freeman
Start Baker Mayfield or Derek Carr? 10 team Half PPR
Carr has a much higher ceiling this week
10 team, full PPR:
QB: Carson Wentz or Lamar Jackson? (I know, I have it rough)
RB: Singletary, Duke Johnson, Damien Williams (I’m leaning Damien Williams)
Flex: Josh Gordon or one of the RBs above? (I’m leaning Singletary)
12 team, Full PPR
who to flex Aaron Jones, Allen Robinson, Devin Singletary or Michael Gallup
Full point PPR need a flex:
John Brown or Chris Thompson. Or, do I trust Mixon?
Thanks!