Chargers vs. Patriots Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - J.K. Dobbins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye, Hunter Henry

Fantasy football start em, sit em lineups advice for the Chargers vs. Patriots on Saturday, December 28 in Week 17 (2024). NFL matchups analysis and starts/sits.

It's time to being home those fantasy football titles! Whether you had studs or duds in games that have already taken place in Week 17, things can always change. Below you can read our matchups analysis article for the Chargers vs. Patriots game to help make any fantasy lineup decisions for both season-long and DFS.

The Chargers are looking to clinch a playoff spot in Year 1 under Jim Harbaugh, while the Patriots are playing for pride and could potentially play spoiler. Rookie Drake Maye has been impressive this season, so this AFC contest could be more excititng than anticipated.

Read our fantasy football breakdowns for these games -- the recommended starts, sits, and matchups we love heading into the Week 17 matchups. Below, you'll see the fantasy football outlooks for key players like J.K. Dobbins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye, and Hunter Henry.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots

Spread: Chargers -4

Matchups We Love

RB J.K. Dobbins

Dobbibs is expected to be in Week 17 after being activated to the roster on Friday. He will be a solid start in his first game back from injury. New England has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to the position while allowing an 80-plus-yard rusher in 10 of the past 12 games. Dobbins, though, will likely be on a snap count, so keep that in mind when deciding to start him or not. That said, Gus Edwards being out of action could help his cause.

Help on the way: The #Chargers are activating RB JK Dobbins from IR, paving the way for him to play against the #Patriots, per me and @TomPelissero.

A top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, Dobbins leads the team with 8 TDs. Now, he’s back to add to it. pic.twitter.com/iEa45hKCAZ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024

Matchups We Hate

RB Rhamondre Stevenson 

It's going to be hard for fantasy managers to trust Rhamondre Stevenson in the fantasy football championship. He has scored under 13 PPR fantasy points in six straight games and now faces a tough Chargers defense in Week 17. Los Angeles has given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and only two running backs have scored above 14.5 PPR fantasy points against this defense since Week 9.

WR Quentin Johnston 

There's a good chance that Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will shadow Quentin Johnston in this game. As a result, Johnston should not be started in most fantasy leagues in Week 17. Gonzalez ranks fifth in passer rating allowed and 15th in catch rate allowed this season, which doesn't bode well for the young wideout in this game.

Other Matchups

QB Justin Herbert 

Justin Herbert had a strong fantasy showing last week, finishing with 23.7 fantasy points. Now, he gets a Patriots secondary that has surely had its troubles this season. Despite holding Josh Allen to only 12.2 fantasy points a week ago, this defense allowed over 23 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks from Week 11 to Week 13. So, Herbert will come in as a low-end QB1 play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend.

QB Drake Maye

Drake Maye has been a consistent fantasy quarterback option in recent weeks, scoring above 18 fantasy points in three straight games. Therefore, Maye will be a solid QB2 option for those in Superflex formats this week against the Chargers. Los Angeles has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in five of the past seven weeks.

WR Ladd McConkey 

Ladd McConkey will continue to be a strong WR2 option in Week 17 against the Patriots. He has totaled over 80 receiving yards in four of the past five games while finishing as a top-24 fantasy wide receiver in five straight contests. So, make sure to keep the rookie in your lineups this week against a secondary that has allowed over 13 fantasy points per game to slot wideouts over the last six weeks.

You're a good Ladd, McConkey! 🔥 A 60 YD catch and run TD

📺: #NOvsLAC on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Kn8556EN3Q

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

TE Hunter Henry 

Hunter Henry has been a reliable TE1 option since Drake Maye took over. Henry has seen at least eight targets in four of the past five games while finishing as a top-10 fantasy option in three of those contests. However, he'll come in as a risky TE1 play in Week 17 against the Chargers. Los Angeles has given up only one receiving touchdown to the position this year.

Patriots WRs

It's best to probably stay away from all Patriots wide receivers in this game. DeMario Douglas has finished outside the top 35 at the position in three straight games and has caught more than four passes in a game just once since Week 10. As for Kayshon Boutte, he is coming off a strong 20.5 PPR fantasy point day. However, it's too hard to trust him in the fantasy football championship. He has just two games over 10 PPR fantasy points.

Notable Fantasy-Relevant Injuries

• Gus Edwards (ankle) - OUT
• J.K. Dobbins (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
• Will Dissly (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE

More Fantasy Football Analysis