The Chiefs are riding high, having just taken down the Lions, 30-17, on Sunday Night Football. Kansas City, even at 3-3, has to feel confident about its chances at winning the wide-open AFC.
That’s due in large part to the impending return of Rashee Rice. The wide receiver was suspended for the first six games of the season due to his involvement in a 2024 multi-car crash in Dallas. Off-field incidents aside, there’s no questioning the 25-year-old’s talent when healthy. What kind of numbers will we see in Rice’s Week 7 debut against the Raiders?
Rashee Rice fantasy football outlook
Availability has been an issue for Rice throughout his brief NFL career. Over two seasons as a pro, the SMU alum has only suited up for a total of 20 games. Still, he’s proven to be a difference-maker when healthy. During those contests, the wideout has averaged 61.3 receiving yards per game. In addition, the 6’1″ target monster has notched nine total touchdowns. On a Chiefs squad without a true go-to pass catcher, Rice has WR1 potential.
Prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury, the former second-round pick was blossoming into a star. Over three games last season, he snagged 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Expecting that level of production out of the gates is unrealistic. Still, it’s a nice reminder of the youngster’s sky-high potential in this pass-heavy Kansas City offense.
Despite their middling win-loss record, the Chiefs have looked far more dangerous on offense in 2025. It all starts under center, where Patrick Mahomes is putting together another phenomenal season. Over six games, the two-time MVP has thrown for 1,514 yards and 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Still, no KC player ranks within the top 30 in receiving yards across the NFL. Mahomes is content spreading the ball around, but every QB loves a go-to guy who can make tough catches.
As far as season debuts go, this is not the most difficult landing spot. This Raiders secondary has been lackluster, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. In addition, this is a matchup that Mahomes usually dominates. The Super Bowl winner has a stellar 106.4 quarterback rating over 14 career meetings with Las Vegas. If anyone is going to benefit from #15’s passing prowess, it’s Rice.
Since Tyreek Hill’s departure in 2022, fantasy managers have clamored for anyone to emerge as Kansas City’s WR1. During that time, the Chiefs have relied more on their system, and less on their stars. That’s led to a more methodical, ‘boring’ brand of offense. That might not be the case this season. KC is averaging 7.1 yards per pass, the team’s highest mark since the Hill trade.
An improved Chiefs scoring attack that still lacks a top-end wideout? It’s difficult to think of a better situation for any player to step into. To make things more enticing, Kansas City gets to host the uninspiring Raiders. Rice may need time re-adjusting to the NFL, but he’s a must-start in fantasy football lineups this weekend.
