Fantasy Player Projections

Philip Rivers

Rivers struggled last week against the Jets, despite having all of his favorite targets available, throwing for under 250 yards for the first time all season. He should have an easier time this week against the Chiefs' 17th ranked defense against the pass

Ryan Mathews

Mathews was held in check last week against the Jets and even had a close TD attempt poached by Mike Tolbert. The Chiefs' defense is ranked 25th against the run, so Mathews could be given an opportunity to carry the offense this week.

Mike Tolbert

Tolbert grabbed a short TD last week against the Jets and actually led the Chargers in rushing. Ryan Mathews is still the starting back in San Diego, but Tolbert is always lurking to vulture a TD from in close.

Vincent Jackson

Jackson was covered by Darrelle Revis last week and was held to one catch for 15 yards, though he was targeted eight times. He should have an easier time this week against the Chiefs, but he'll have to do a better job of catching the balls thrown to him.

Malcom Floyd

Floyd made a highlight reel catch against the Jets last week, but it accounted for 50% of his total catches. With Antonio Gates back from a foot injury, Floyd becomes the fourth option on Philip Rivers' radar.

Antonio Gates

Gates returned last week from a foot injury and grabbed five passes for 54 yards and a TD, all of which led the Chargers. He remains one of Philip Rivers' favorite targets and he's arguably the leagues best TE when healthy.

Nick Novak

Novak is 11-of-11 on field goal attempts this season, although he's had two games where he didn't have a single attempt (including last week). If the Chargers' offense can move the ball against the Chiefs, he should be in line for a few attempts.

The Chargers' defense is third against the run this season and they matchup well against a Chiefs team that is still trying to figure itself out after the loss of Jamaal Charles.

Matt Cassel

Cassel has been very up-and-down this season and struggled against the Raiders last week. He has plenty of weapons around him and will likely need to throw plenty against a Chargers' defense that is excellent against the run.

Jackie Battle

Battle seems to have taken over the starting job in the Chiefs' backfield, although he still seems to lose a few touches to Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster. The Chargers' defense is third against the run, so Battle is probably not a great fantasy play.

Thomas Jones

Jones had 19 yards on nine carries last week and continues to show his age. Fans are frustrated that he continues to get touches when Jackie Battle and Dexter McCluster continue to outperform him and fantasy players are advised to stay far far away.

Dwayne Bowe

Bowe has caught a touchdown or had 100-yards receiving in 4-of-6 games this season and he remains the best receiver in KC. The Chiefs' running game will likely struggle against the Chargers' defense, leaving Bowe an opportunity to get in the end zone.

Steve Breaston

Breaston has been a solid No. 2 receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe, although he could lose some targets as rookie Jon Baldwin evolves. That being said, Breaston had a season-high nine targets last week, so Matt Cassel hasn't forgotten about him yet.

Leonard Pope

Pope was targeted only once last week against the Raiders and was unable to make the catch. With a number of receiving options at Matt Cassel's disposal, Pope is far from making a big fantasy impact anytime soon.

Ryan Succop

After going 5-of-5 on field goals in Week Four, Succop has gone back-to-back games without a single attempt (though he has eight combined extra points). If the Chiefs' offense can move the ball against the Chargers' defense, he should get a chance.

The Chargers' offense struggled in the second half last week against the Jets, although the Chiefs' defense is not as strong as New York's. They struggle against the run and could be exposed by Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert.