The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil, in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding RB Najee Harris.
Is Najee Harris Playing in Week 1?
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that he expects Harris (eye) will play this Friday against the Chiefs.
Harris said Monday that he planned to play, with his full practice participation on Tuesday then confirming he was on track. Harbaugh echoed that Wednesday, although he declined to answer reporters’ questions about the extent of Harris’ Week 1 role.
“Those are really hard to predict,” Harbaugh said. “Play counts and things of that nature. Get in there, play football and have at it. That’s kind of the mindset. Not kind of, that is the mindset.”
We’ll continue to monitor the Chargers’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Najee Harris in Week 1?
Najee Harris suffered an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks incident that cost him the majority of training camp. The door was already open for Omarion Hampton to assume the bell-cow role in this offense after the Bolts invested the 22nd overall pick on him this spring, and the injury has only widened that opportunity. It is fully expected that Hampton will take advantage of the situation.
Consider the splits from the 2023-24 season:
- Harris: 1.3 PPR points per target, 80.9% rush gain percentage, 32.2% five-plus yard rush rate
- Ezekiel Elliott: 1.4 PPR points per target, 80.6% rush gain percentage, 31% five-plus yard rush rate
At this point, we know what Harris is: an ordinary, standard, and average running back. He could be a thorn in the side of Hampton’s development, but it would be surprising if Harris is viewed as a legitimate flex option as long as the rookie remains healthy. Harris is worth a roster spot to open the season, if for no other reason than the Chargers elected to bring him in during his age-27 season. Still, placing high expectations on him isn’t a wise strategy.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.
Najee Harris’ Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Harris is projected to score 7.5 points in PPR formats. This includes 35.0 rushing yards and 0.0 touchdowns. It also includes 1.5 receptions for 9.3 receiving yards and 0.0 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Chiefs vs. Chargers
The weather forecast for the Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup in São Paulo calls for cloudy conditions and a kickoff temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are forecasted to blow southeast at 9 MPH with an 8% chance of rain. These are good conditions for fantasy football and will have minimal impact on the game.
