Thursday Fantasy Football: Philip Rivers, C.J. Anderson, Trevor Siemien start – sit advice

A look at three key fantasy players for this Thursday night’s AFC West showdown.

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

Not only do the Broncos give up the third fewest passing yards per game this season, they also keep teams out of the end zone. Denver has allowed just three passing touchdowns so far this season. While the Falcons opened some eyes last week with their win at Denver, it’s important to remember that Matt Ryan was good, not great. Ryan finished with 267 yards through the air, with one touchdown pass. Atlanta has plenty more weapons than the Chargers do and in the end, the Broncos still just allowed 23 points to the Falcons. It’s a huge test for Philip Rivers, but he’ll be one of the bottom 16 QBs this weekend in terms of stats.

Verdict: Sit

C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos

The Chargers have been pretty good against the run this season in terms of yardage, allowing just 83.4 ypg (good for eighth best in the league). Speaking of the No. 8 though, San Diego has allowed a whopping eight rushing touchdown this season – which is tied for the most in the entire league. Yes, Anderson’s production has been steadily going down each week this season, but expect him to have a bounceback week against the Chargers.

Verdict: Start

Trevor Siemien, QB, Broncos

If you’re scrapping for a quarterback this week, you could do much worse than starting Siemien. He’s improved in each game he’s been healthy this season and he faces a Chargers defense that gives up a beefy 291.6 yards per game. San Diego has also allowed nine passing TDs in 2016.

Verdict: Start