Fantasy Football: Best Under-the-Radar Starts for Chiefs vs Ravens Week 1 Opener

Set your lineups, football fans.

The 2024 NFL season officially kicks off on Thursday night, which means the 2024 fantasy football season is finally getting underway, too.

The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are starting things off at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night in what should be a classic.

Read more: Chiefs vs Ravens Expert Predictions — Who Will Win Playoff Rematch to Open 2024 NFL Season?

Both teams are littered with fantasy football stars and could get your fantasy season off to a strong start with a big performance.

While there are obvious players on both teams who should be in your lineups on Thursday night — Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Travis Kelce to name a few — here are some of the more under-the-radar players who could come up big in the season opener.

1. Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rice had an average draft position (ADP) of WR30 in fantasy drafts this season, per FantasyPros. That likely slots him into flex consideration on a week-to-week basis.

This week, he’s a must-start.

With Marquise “Hollywood” Brown out due to a sternoclavicular dislocation, Rice is instantly the WR1 in an explosive offense led by the best quarterback in the NFL.

Rice is coming off a rookie season in which he caught 79 passes on 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. Expect him to get a majority of wide receiver targets, and maybe even find the end zone to open the 2024 campaign.

2. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Sticking on the theme of Chiefs receivers, Worthy is a great option for players in deeper leagues with a need at the flex spot.

The Chiefs traded up to select Worthy at the end of the first round and value his 4.21 40-yard dash speed.

Worthy likely won’t see the target share of Rice or Kelce, but with him, it just takes one big play to put in a positive fantasy week.

If you want to get your fantasy season off with a bang and need to take a flier on someone, do it with Worthy.

Player to Stash on Your Bench for a Potential Future Start

3. Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Hill isn’t exactly a safe option to start on Thursday night, but he’s definitely someone who should take up a spot on your bench.

While Henry is going to be the lead horse in Baltimore, Hill will likely emerge as the receiving threat. In points per reception (PPR) leagues, Hill could turn out to be a great option, especially with how much the Ravens like to utilize their running backs.

At 30 years old, the Ravens won’t want to overuse Henry. While Henry is a must-start every week, Hill is a great option to snag a spot on your bench — whether you have Henry or not.

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