NFL Season Kickoff: Chargers vs. Chiefs
The 2025 NFL season is officially kicking off this week. The action continues on Friday night as the Los Angeles Chargers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil at 8 PM, and fans can catch the game on YouTube.
This marks Jim Harbaugh’s second year as head coach of the Chargers, and the team is eager to make progress after last year’s disappointment in the AFC Wildcard round against the Texans. They’ve added some new talent to their offense, raising hopes for a stronger performance. There are particularly high expectations for their rookie running back as he starts the season with an average draft position that ranks well across different formats.
In this piece, we’ll delve into Omarion Hampton’s outlook for fantasy football in Week 1.
Fantasy Football Analysis: Chargers RB Omarion Hampton
Hampton was picked by the Chargers with the 24th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the only running back drafted in the first round. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 221 pounds, he had an impressive college career at North Carolina, boasting back-to-back seasons with high rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team all-American honors.
The rookie has gained valuable experience during training camp, especially while veteran Najee Harris dealt with eye injuries. Although Harris has returned to practice in time for the regular season, it remains uncertain who will start on Friday. Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday that Harris would be the primary back. However, reports suggest that Hampton might also have a significant role. Regardless of who gets the initial carries, the strategy for using both players throughout the game is still up in the air.
Should You Start or Sit in Week 1 for Standard/PPR Leagues?
Start. Even if Harris is slated to get a bulk of the carries, fantasy managers shouldn’t be overly concerned about the rookie’s potential. Given that Greg Roma’s offense had previously ranked 28th in passing attempts during his career as an offensive coordinator, there’s a belief that the Chargers will run the ball effectively this season. Considering how well Hampton performed in preseason, he should see significant action in Brazil on Friday and may quickly surpass Harris in workload. If you have the rookie on your roster, it’s advisable to start him in Week 1.
