:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51365263/492268564.0.jpg)
Whether it’s injuries, bye weeks, or a hot waiver wire claim that muddles fantasy lineups, the factors which fantasy owners have to consider before hitting the submit button are always present and rarely uncomplicated. There’s only one way to combat this, and that’s parsing each game, one at a time. Here’s what needs to be considered when the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Oakland Raiders.
Kansas City Chiefs
Start ‘em
Not many tight ends have been appointed better matchups than Travis Kelce, and arguably no wide receiver has a better matchup on the horizon than Jeremy Maclin. The Las Vegas Oakland Raiders have allowed more fantasy points to opposing wide receivers than any other team in the NFL this season, and they also rank dead last in pass defense. Maclin is a WR2 and in line for a bounce-back after a tepid start to the season. Alex Smith also deserves streaming consideration as a result of this matchup.
Start ‘em?
Jamaal Charles is back, but the capacity to which he’ll play remains a mystery. From reports ranging from him being “110 percent” to him being merely “sprinkled in” to the offense, fantasy owners are having a difficult time gauging how involved he will be. After his bye week, it’s fair to assume his workload will be increased, but fantasy owners need to temper expectations. Charles can be considered an upside flex, as can Spencer Ware, whose workload Charles will be cutting into.
Sit ‘em
Chris Conley, Albert Wilson and the remainder of the Chiefs’ pass catchers can remain on fantasy waivers.
Oakland Raiders
Start ‘em
Derek Carr has outscored every fantasy quarterback not named Ben Roethlisberger or Matt Ryan this season, and now he draws a Chiefs defense that surrendered five passing touchdowns in its last outing against the Steelers. Though the Chiefs’ defense is not as bad as Roethlisberger and company made them look, Carr has a matchup he can exploit with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree at his disposal. Carr is a must-start in leagues of all formats, and will be in weeks ahead. Cooper and Crabtree are both deserving of starting spots as well.
Sit ‘em
Latavius Murray remains out of action, leaving a mess of a backfield situation for the Raiders. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard had 14 touches each in Week 5, and the lone rushing touchdown went to Jamize Olawale. Until one of these backs can significantly distance himself from the pack, none are worth starting.