X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Thursday Night Football Starts & Sits: Chargers vs Raiders

Keenan Allen - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy football starts/sits and lineups advice for the Chargers vs Raiders Thursday game in Week 15. Ellis Johnson analyzes the matchups with a detailed breakdown to help optimize your lineup for the fantasy playoff.

Week 15 starts with an absolute fantasy barn burner. It’s hard to imagine a better matchup to start (or continue) the fantasy playoffs. I hope you all had successful weeks last week and hopefully avoided facing off against the monster games of Derrick Henry and Miles Sanders.

Last week I was able to go two-for-two with my game picks in a very defensive matchup. This Thursday night game should be different - not only do we go from the elite coaching of Bill Bellicheck to Anthony Lynn and his mediocre ability to manage the clock, but we also see two of the league's most fantasy-friendly defenses. 

It’s not often we get a matchup where both teams are in the bottom five in points against. The Raiders will look to stay in the Wild Card hunt and rebound from a loss to the Colts. On the other side the Chargers are a team that has lost 8 of their last nine games by an average of a mere five points. I am sure this will create an opportunity for fireworks between these division rivals. So without further ado, I bring to you, your Thursday night football RotoBaller preview. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Monday 12/17 @ 8:20 PM EST

Notable Injuries:

 

Must Starts

Justin Herbert (LAC, QB): I love this guy. The 2020 rookie class had a lot of offensive talent taken in the first round. Of these selections, Herbert was viewed as the most likely to “bust” especially compared to the elite prospects of Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow. Instead, Herbert has provided one of the best rookie seasons of all time and has shown no signs of slowing down. Earlier I pointed out Anthony Lynn’s clock management, however, outside of that, I think he is a very good NFL coach.

The team has built elite talents on both sides of the ball and if only a few games had bounced their way they would be in the conversation as a contender. Justin Herbert is coming into this matchup as the QB-eight in points per game and will be going up against the Raiders who allow the eighth-most passing yards per game. Although his last two weeks have been “disappointing” he still looks like an elite fantasy option in good matchups. I have Herbert as a top-five play this week, and he will hopefully start your week with a bang. 

Keenan Allen (LAC, WR): Wow. What a season it has been for Keenan Allen. It’s a true “chicken-egg” situation with his fantasy success. Has the elite route runner outdone himself and taken his own step forward, or has Herbert been the elite talent he has desperately needed under center? Thankfully, for fantasy, we don’t have to answer this question and instead can sit back and enjoy the show these two performers put on.

Here is Allen’s 2020 resume: he leads the league in targets, second in receptions to Stefon Diggs, and is seventh in receiving touchdowns at the position - Allen has been a monster. The icing on the cake is that the Raiders are allowing nearly 40 fantasy points a game to the WR position. For a guy averaging 11 targets per game, Allen is a top-five play at the position as well this week. Plus, I’m calling for the Pie Shop* to be open for the veteran WR.

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (usually used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

Austin Ekeler (LAC, RB): When I mentioned earlier about the Chargers surrounding Herbert with elite weapons, this is exactly what I meant. As the third Charger to make the “must-start” segment this week, Ekeler makes this section handly. Since returning he has not had a game below nine targets and has a game with 16 targets. To put this in perspective, over the last three games he has averaged 11.3 targets. If you compare this to the season averages of all players, it would give him the most targets per game at any position (0.22 targets ahead of his teammate Keenan Allen). Oh, I almost forgot - Ekeler rushes the ball too. Not only is he receiving WR-one targets, in the last three games he has also averaged nine rushes per game with 5.89 yards per carry. Against the Raiders who are allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position, Ekeler is exactly what managers want for the fantasy playoffs. 

Darren Waller (LVR, TE): Not many tight ends have made this section this season. However, Waller more than deserves this recognition. If it weren’t for Travis Kelce who is currently LEADING THE LEAGUE in receiving yards, Waller would be talked about as THE elite TE option. Sitting 31 points ahead of the TE-three (T.J. Hockenson) Waller has the second-most yards, targets, and receptions at the position. In all of these categories, he is second to Travis Kelce. Averaging nine targets a game and 63 yards per game, unless you’re against Kelce, Waller is a huge positional advantage over any opponent. I think the veteran TE finds the endzone for the eighth time this season and opens his own Pie Shop*. Start Waller with all the confidence in the world this Thursday. 

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (usually used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

Derek Carr (LVR, QB): Unlike Herbert where I think he is a top-five play this week, Carr makes this section as a fantastic QB-two in two QB leagues. Carr is the QB-12 on the season and has been surprisingly good for fantasy purposes. Three of his last four games have been above 20 fantasy points including one game above 30. Unfortunately, the other game in this stretch was the fluke game against the Falcons where he scored a mere 0.9 fantasy points. However, I think that was a one-off as he has been great in good matchups. The Chargers are allowing the 10th most fantasy points to the QB position this season and the fifth-most points scored against. In a very important divisional home game, I think Carr is going to come through for fantasy. I have Carr as a top-12 play ahead of players like Phillip Rivers against Houston, Cam Newton against Miami, and Kirk Cousins against Chicago. 

 

Solid Options

Josh Jacobs (LVR, RB): It has been a very successful sophomore season for Jacobs and thankfully he is coming off of injury just in time for the fantasy playoffs. So far he is the RB-seven on the season, however, he only has 3 games over 15 fantasy points (Half PPR). This outlines that he has not had many “week-winning” performances, and instead been a very consistent fantasy producer. On top of his “lower” points per game, over the season Jacobs only has four games over four yards per carry. What has been his saving grace is that despite missing a week, he still has the fourth most rush attempts in the league.

I think Jacobs is a fantastic player and should be a “must-start” this week, especially against the team that is allowing the 12th most fantasy points to the RB position. However, unlike his RB-seven rank suggests, I think he should be treated more like a steady RB-two than RB-one ultimately making him a “solid option”. Thankfully since this game is on Thursday, you will be able to determine how much upside you’ll need based on his performance. 

Hunter Henry (LAC, TE): If it wasn’t for the performance gap between Henry and Waller this season, Henry could easily be a “must-start” in this year’s TE landscape. Henry is a very milk-toast TE-nine on the season. What makes him a “solid option” is that he is fifth at the position in total targets and fourth in receptions. For the tight end position, usage is key. With only three games below six targets this season, Henry should be started in all formats with an extra bump in PPR leagues. 

Nelson Agholor (LVR, WR): Somehow Agholor is arguably more fantasy relevant than he has ever been. Much to the disappointment of Brian Edwards truthers, Agholor has been Carr’s go-to receiver option. On the season he is the WR-33 (Half PPR) and has the 12th most receiving touchdowns at the position (7). Unfortunately, the Chargers are allowing the ninth fewest fantasy points to the position and makes it hard to rely on Agholor this week. However, I view him much like the next guy in this section.

Tyron Johnson (LAC, WR): This is a waiver-wire “solid option” for any desperate teams looking for a play (assuming Mike Williams is out). With Mike Williams leaving the last game with back injuries, Johnson was the receiver that stepped up as his replacement. Catching six of his seven targets for 55 yards and a TD, Johnson was clearly the second option at wide receiver. I have a lot of confidence that Herbert is going to have a day, and therefore, if you need a flyer, Johnson could easily be that guy. It’s risky, but between him and Agholor - Agholor is safer, but if you need a home run I would lean Johnson.

UPDATE: Mike Williams is now expected to play, but may be on a snap count.

 

Consider Sitting

Henry Ruggs III (LVR, WR): It pains me to think of what Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb could be doing in this offense. Instead, the Raiders selected Ruggs over both of them. It’s too early to say that was a ridiculous decision, however, so far it doesn’t look promising. The rookie receiver has displayed flashes of his elite skills and speed. Ideally, he could develop into a speedy alpha WR (for example Will Fuller). Unfortunately, he is not there yet and can not be relied on in fantasy this week. With only two games over ten fantasy points on the season, he is too risky to have any confidence starting this week. I would be bold enough to say I would rather take my upside shot on Tyron Johnson than Ruggs this week. 

Kalen Ballage and Justin Jackson (LAC, RB): The fact that both of these players are listed together is reason enough to make this section. With Jackson’s return and Ekeler’s clear stranglehold on the lead role, there is not enough work for either back to be fantasy relevant.

Devontae Booker and Jalen Richard (LVR, RB): These backs are in a very similar situation as the two listed above. Of the two, Richard offers some PPR value in deep leagues if the Chargers can get a lead in this game. However, I would rather avoid both options this week.

 

Ellis’ Picks: Spread (8-8), Over/Under (8-8)

I am very excited about this game. With the Raiders coming off of a statement loss to their AFC rivals last week, I am sure they will be motivated to take out their anger in this divisional matchup. However, I love the Charger’s offense and think they will be able to torch the Raider’s defense. In my opinion, this game is going to come down to Carr's ability to overcome the Charger’s solid defense and keep up with Herbert and company. That is, as long as Anthony Lynn has learned how to manage the clock… The Chargers' inability to close out games is a concern so I would recommend taking the plus-points. 

Chargers +3.5, Over 52.0



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Done for the Year With Torn ACL
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dylan Holloway

Good to Go for Start of Season
Nick Kurtz

Back in Action on Tuesday
Josh Morrissey

Fully Healthy for Start of Season
Dennis Hildeby

Signs Three-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Nick Lodolo

Scratched With Illness
Dalton Kincaid

Role Not Expected to Grow?
Quinshon Judkins

Zero Chance Quinshon Judkins Plays Against Bengals?
Najee Harris

Says He's Expecting to Play Against Chiefs
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Departs Monday with Quad Injury
Franz Wagner

Collects Double-Double in Blowout Win
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Achieves Rare Numbers at EuroBasket
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Dominates Against Sweden
Stefon Diggs

Expected to Suit Up in Week 1
Kristaps Porzingis

Finding Form at EuroBasket
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Suffers Minor Injury at EuroBasket
DJ Moore

Bears Experimenting with DJ Moore in Backfield
Rome Odunze

Could Move All Around the Offense
Carolina Panthers

Dave Canales Comfortable With Panthers' Young Receivers
Quinshon Judkins

Not Considering NCAA Return
Dallas Goedert

Healthy for Week 1
Marvin Mims Jr.

Returns to Practice Monday
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Carted Off Monday With Knee Injury
Jason Adam

Diagnosed With Ruptured Left Quadriceps Tendon
Victor Wembanyama

Looking "Quite Stellar"
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Scratched on Monday
Matthew Stafford

Expected to Start in Week 1
Edward Cabrera

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Sprain
Najee Harris

Cleared for Contact, Could Play in Week 1
Denny Hamlin

Ends Eventful Day at Darlington in Seventh Place
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Almost Earns a Top-Five Finish at Darlington
John Hunter Nemechek

has His Best 2025 Performance at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Has An Underwhelming Performance At Darlington
Josh Berry

Crashes Early and Suffers A Playoff Setback at Darlington
Harry Ford

Called Up for Major-League Debut
Victor Scott II

Activated From Injured List
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Dealing With Hamstring Tightness, Expects to Play Monday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Staying in Milwaukee"
Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Agrees to a One-Year Contract with Milwaukee
Kyrie Irving

"Healing Up Great"
Dante Exum

Mavs Agree on a One-Year Deal
Jaylen Warren

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Steelers
De'Von Achane

Practicing Monday, on Track to Play in Week 1
Quinshon Judkins

Could Report to Browns This Week
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs, Trent McDuffie Not Expected to Finalize Extension
Chase Elliott

Under Playoff Pressure After 17th-Place Darlington Finish
Kyle Larson

Despite Hendrick Mediocrity, Kyle Larson Remains Pretty Safe in Playoffs
Alex Bowman

Opening-Lap Crash and Botched Pit Stop May Have Sunk Alex Bowman's Playoff Hopes
Erik Jones

Darlington Master Erik Jones Comes Up Short but Still Finishes Third
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Impresses at Southern 500
Dameon Pierce

Ahead of Schedule, Ready for Season
Jordan Love

May Wear Thumb Brace During Season
Chicago Bears

Bears Head Coach Admits Offense Could Face Learning Curve
Matt Chapman

Leaves Early on Sunday, Expects to Play Monday
A.J. Brown

Says He'll Be Active For Season Opener
Luis Garcia

to Make Season Debut on Monday
Max Scherzer

Exits Due to Back Tightness
Taylor Ward

Exits Early After Collison
Braelon Allen

Says He Has a Lot Left to Prove
Sal Stewart

Reds Promoting Sal Stewart to Majors
Daniel Suarez

is A DFS Risk for Darlington Lineups?
Randy Rodríguez

Randy Rodriguez to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Noah Gragson

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Noah Gragson for Darlington?
Ty Dillon

is an Excellent Punt Option for Darlington DFS Lineups
Bogdan Bogdanović

Bogdan Bogdanovic to Miss the Rest of EuroBasket
Denny Hamlin

Picking Up Where He Left Off At Darlington
Kyle Larson

The Sky Is The Limit for Kyle Larson at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

a Strong DFS Play at Darlington This Weekend
Tyler Reddick

Shouldn't Be Overlooked at Darlington This Weekend
Alex Bowman

An Easy Place-Differential Play in DFS This Weekend
Ty Gibbs

Could Be Strong at Darlington This Weekend
Erik Jones

Has Best Darlington Qualifying Effort Since Last Win
Zane Smith

Hopeful For Another Solid Run At Darlington
Aroldis Chapman

Agrees to Contract Extension
Juan Soto

Homers Twice in Loss
Nick Kurtz

Avoids Serious Injury
MacKenzie Gore

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Dallas Mavericks

Olivier-Maxence Prosper Waived by the Mavs
Lauri Markkanen

Dominant in Win Over Great Britain
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Leads Serbia to a Win
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Shines Versus Portugal
Jose Alvarado

"Good" After Recent Fall
Lauri Markkanen

Torches Sweden
Neemias Queta

Dominates in EuroBasket Opener
Kawhi Leonard

Clippers Not Allowing Kawhi Leonard to Play Back-to-Backs
Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks Looking to Trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Tyrese Haliburton

Expects to Return in 15 Months

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP