Ready to dominate the 2024 DraftKings Showdown slate for this clash of Los Angeles @Kansas City? This week, we’re treated to a high-stakes AFC West clash as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Kansas City Chiefs. With offensive stars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert leading their respective teams, there’s no shortage of fantasy firepower in this matchup. Whether you’re locking in a star like Travis Kelce as your captain or taking a chance on value plays like Quentin Johnston, there’s plenty to consider in building your lineup.
This game has all the makings of a divisional shootout, with Mahomes and Herbert expected to air it out against talented yet inconsistent secondaries. The Chiefs’ defense will look to bounce back after some recent struggles, while the Chargers’ opportunistic unit aims to build on last week’s dominant performance against Atlanta. With playoff implications on the line, this primetime showdown promises to deliver drama — and fantasy points galore.
DraftKings SNF Showdown 2024 – Los Angeles @Kansas City Captain Picks
Patrick Mahomes ($16,200 Capt/ $10,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mahomes remains the Chiefs’ cornerstone and a top-tier captain option in this divisional clash. Despite a relatively muted fantasy season, his recent performances suggest a high floor with turnover-free outings in four of his last five games. Facing the Chargers, who rank ninth in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, Mahomes will need to lean on his creativity and efficiency to find success. His ability to deliver in high-pressure games and a consistent connection with Travis Kelce give him elite upside. If you can afford him, Mahomes offers stability and the potential for a ceiling game in a must-win divisional matchup.
Justin Herbert ($14,700 Capt/ $9,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Herbert is primed for a rebound in this Week 14 showdown after a quieter game in his last outing. The Chiefs’ defense has shown cracks in recent weeks, allowing the eighth-most passing touchdowns since Week 8, creating a favorable setup for the Chargers’ aerial attack. Herbert’s ability to extend plays and target his evolving receiver group makes him a dynamic captain play, especially with Kansas City’s defensive adjustments likely focused on stopping the run. With the Chargers needing a win to stay competitive in the AFC playoff race, Herbert should see high volume and has top-12 fantasy upside this week. Trust him to bring both value and explosiveness to your lineups.
Ladd McConkey ($14,100 Capt/ $9,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
McConkey has emerged as the Chargers’ top receiving option, though injuries make him a risky captain play this week. If he suits up, McConkey will face a Chiefs secondary that has struggled against WR1s in recent weeks, presenting a prime opportunity for him to shine. His ability to generate yardage after the catch and his growing chemistry with Justin Herbert make him a sneaky high-upside pick, especially if Herbert leans on him in a potential shootout. Should McConkey be limited, consider pivoting to a different captain option or monitoring his status closely before locking in your lineup. If healthy, his target share and skill set justify captain consideration.
Travis Kelce ($13,500 Capt/ $9,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelce continues to dominate at the tight end position, making him a high-ceiling captain choice. While the Chargers’ defense ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, Kelce’s unparalleled volume ensures he remains a critical cog in Kansas City’s offense. Double-digit target games have been the norm for Kelce, despite Noah Gray cutting slightly into his red-zone looks. In what could be a high-scoring contest, expect Mahomes to rely heavily on Kelce in key moments. He’s a strong captain choice if you want elite consistency and the potential for multi-touchdown upside.
DraftKings SNF Showdown 2024 – Los Angeles @Kansas City Flex Picks
DeAndre Hopkins ($8,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DeAndre Hopkins continues to solidify his role in the Chiefs’ passing attack, turning four catches into 90 yards last week against the Raiders. His ability to make big plays complements Patrick Mahomes’ arm, though his fantasy value depends on efficient use of limited targets. Facing a Chargers defense ranked 14th against wide receivers, Hopkins presents a relatively neutral matchup. Fantasy managers can consider him as a WR3/flex play, recognizing his floor is capped by Travis Kelce’s dominance in the offense.
Isiah Pacheco ($8,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Isiah Pacheco looked explosive in his return from injured reserve, totaling 44 rushing yards on just seven carries and adding a five-yard reception. While he split touches with Kareem Hunt, Pacheco demonstrated his big-play potential and remains the more dynamic option in Kansas City’s backfield. The Chargers’ sixth-ranked defense against fantasy running backs presents a tough matchup, but Pacheco’s ability to create chunk plays keeps his upside intact. Fantasy managers can deploy him as a low-end RB2, especially in a week where byes make dependable options scarce.
Gus Edwards ($7,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gus Edwards leads the Chargers’ backfield in snaps and carries but has yet to translate that into meaningful fantasy production. Despite handling 52% of offensive snaps last week, he managed only 33 total yards on seven touches and saw no red-zone opportunities. Facing an elite Chiefs run defense, Edwards’ path to fantasy relevance is limited, especially with Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal sharing the workload. Fantasy managers should temper expectations and consider other options unless desperate in deep leagues.
Xavier Worthy ($7,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Xavier Worthy has quietly become a reliable contributor for the Chiefs, posting at least four catches and 45 yards in three straight games. Kansas City’s willingness to involve him in the running game adds an extra layer of versatility to his role. Facing a Chargers defense ranked 14th against receivers, Worthy has an opportunity to deliver another steady performance. While his deep-ball connection with Mahomes has yet to click, his volume makes him a viable deep-league flex option with modest upside.
Quentin Johnston ($5,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quentin Johnston offers a boom-or-bust option this week, especially if Ladd McConkey is sidelined or limited. Johnston has struggled with consistency, battling drops and separation issues, but his role could expand significantly against a Chiefs defense that has faltered against wide receivers in recent games. If McConkey plays, Johnston remains a risky WR4 option, but without McConkey, Johnston could climb into the WR3 tier. This matchup offers him a chance to redeem his season if he can step up as the Chargers’ primary target.
Noah Gray ($4,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️
Noah Gray has emerged as a surprising red-zone weapon, catching two touchdowns over the last two games. His role as a secondary option behind Travis Kelce allows him to take advantage of defensive focus on Kansas City’s stars. However, his fantasy relevance hinges on touchdowns, making him a high-risk, high-reward play. Against a Chargers defense that can be exploited through the air, Gray offers an intriguing low-cost dart throw with potential for another scoring opportunity.
Dart Throw Plays (Various)
Here are a few dart plays to round out your lineup. These are high-risk, high-reward picks best suited for GPPs—not for cash games:
- Kareem Hunt (RB, KC) $6,400 Flex – Kareem Hunt continues to share backfield duties with Isiah Pacheco, but he struggled last week with just 19 yards on nine touches. Pacheco’s explosiveness may shift more opportunities his way, leaving Hunt in a tough spot against a Chargers defense ranked sixth against running backs. While Hunt remains on the flex radar due to byes, his low ceiling and poor matchup make him a risky option. Fantasy managers should proceed cautiously with Hunt unless other options are unavailable.
- Joshua Palmer (WR, LAC) $5,400 Flex – Joshua Palmer could see an uptick in usage against the Chiefs, especially if Ladd McConkey is ruled out or limited. Palmer’s production this season has been modest, peaking as WR22 in Week 9, but he has a chance to carve out a more significant role in Week 14. The Chiefs have been more vulnerable to outside receivers recently, giving Palmer a glimmer of upside. He’s a viable deep-league flex option for those seeking a low-cost dart throw.
- Will Dissly (TE, LAC) $4,800 Flex – Will Dissly aims to rebound from a zero-point performance last week and exploit a Chiefs defense that struggles against tight ends. Kansas City allows the most receiving yards to the position, which elevates Dissly’s floor and ceiling this week. His role could expand further if McConkey remains sidelined, making him a borderline TE1/2. Fantasy managers seeking a high-upside, low-cost option should consider Dissly in their lineups.
- Juju Smith-Schuster (WR, KC) $3,400 Flex – JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to the lineup last week but saw just one target, finishing with eight yards. With DeAndre Hopkins and Xavier Worthy now dominating targets, Smith-Schuster’s role has diminished significantly. While his matchup against the Chargers is neutral, trusting him in lineups is a risky proposition. Fantasy managers should view Smith-Schuster as a last-resort option unless his involvement increases dramatically.
- Kimani Vidal (RB, LAC) $2,800 Flex – Kimani Vidal’s role in the Chargers backfield could expand as he’s shown more promise than Gus Edwards in recent weeks. While his touches have been limited, Vidal’s burst and strength could earn him more opportunities against the Chiefs. However, Kansas City’s elite run defense caps his upside, making him more of a speculative play. Vidal’s fantasy potential lies in his ability to take over the backfield, but starting him is a gamble.
- Samaje Perine (RB, KC) $2,400 Flex – Samaje Perine has been effective in limited opportunities, recording 25 scrimmage yards and 104 kick return yards last week. Despite playing 32% of the snaps, Perine remains a distant third in the Chiefs’ backfield hierarchy. His limited volume and the return of Isiah Pacheco reduce his appeal, but his explosiveness offers some big-play potential. Perine is a low-cost dart throw in deep leagues for managers needing a long-shot option.
DraftKings SNF Showdown 2024 – Los Angeles @Kansas City Kickers and DSTs
Matthew Wright ($5,000) delivered a solid outing in Week 13, converting four of five field-goal attempts and his lone PAT in the Chiefs’ victory over the Raiders. With Spencer Shrader and Harrison Butker on injured reserve, Wright will continue as the Chiefs’ placekicker in Week 14, but his ranking outside the top 15 kickers makes him a less-than-ideal fantasy option. Cameron Dicker ($5,200) has been one of the most consistent fantasy kickers this season, finishing as a top-15 option in nine of 12 games. In a pivotal divisional matchup against the Chiefs, he’ll likely see multiple scoring opportunities, making him a reliable choice for DFS lineups.
Chiefs DST ($4,000) recorded three sacks and forced a fumble in their Week 13 victory over the Raiders, holding them to just 17 points. While they’ve been solid against weaker offenses, facing Justin Herbert and the Chargers presents a tougher test in Week 14, limiting their ceiling. Chargers DST ($3,600) shined in Week 13 with a pick-six and four interceptions in a dominant performance against the Falcons. However, they face a much stiffer challenge against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, making them a high-risk, high-reward play for those targeting turnover potential.
So there you have it — our DraftKings picks for the 2024 Los Angeles @Kansas City! Whether you’re locking in lineups or just looking for that edge, we’ve got you covered. If you have any DFS questions shoot me a DM on twitter at @numeric_dfs. Also checkout our other KFS DFS articles here, and interact with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We’re always ready to talk shop and help you build those winning rosters!
