You’d be excused for assuming Philip Rivers has had a down season. It would be a fair estimation considering the massive struggles the Chargers have had winning games and with the firing of their offensive coordinator earlier this week. However, that’s simply not been the case. Rivers comes into Week 9 with the third-most passing yards in the NFL (2,315), as one of only three QBs with at least five 300-yard passing performances, and, from a DFS perspective, with five weeks under his belt of at least 20.0 DKFP. Strangely enough, despite Los Angeles’ big picture inconsistency, Rivers has been about as sure an asset as we’ve had this season in fantasy.

It also seems like there should be a little touchdown regression coming Rivers’ way. Though the Chargers rank inside the Top 10 in the league in yards gained per drive (36.6), plays per drive (6.5) and drive success rate (73.5%), they’ve only mustered 4.0 points per red zone trip — the third-lowest mark in all of football. It’s not like Rivers has been poor in that area of the field, either. In fact, he’s completed the third-most passes inside the 20-yard line (26) and possesses a 9:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. With weapons like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry available, there’s just no reason to assume these struggles keep happening.

Fantasy Football Analysis, Los Angeles Chargers QB Philip Rivers

It feels like Rivers is perpetually viewed as a fringe Top 10 option at his position, but I think people should have a little more confidence; even in what might be considered a difficult matchup in Week 9. Green Bay’s pass defense is not as stout as some might have you believe. After padding their stats early against the likes of Mitch Trubisky, Joe Flacco and a then run-oriented Kirk Cousins, the Packers have recently allowed Dak Prescott to hang 463 yards on them in Week 5 and have also surrendered an eye-popping 8.3 yards per opponent pass attempt in their past three games. Especially on DraftKings, where his price is a paltry $5,100, I like Rivers a lot this Sunday.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Start.