Simply put, the Kansas City Chiefs suck. Last year we watched as the fool's Cassel came tumbling down. Matt Cassel proved two irrefutable facts last year. One: That anyone can look like a good quarterback when you're throwing to uber-receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker behind an offensive line made of stone. Two: That some idiot out there is desperate/stupid enough to overtrade and overpay such a fluke of a quarterback. Alas, all hope is not lost for the Chiefs offense this year however.
Behold Jamaal Charles. He's my pick for a player to make the biggest Chris Johnson type leap this year. Over the last 8 games of the season, he averaged (over fairly consistent production) over 100 yards and 1 TD per game. Consider the fact that he only received 6 carries or fewer over the first 8 games. Also consider that the Chiefs won 3 of their total 4 wins... during the last 8 games of the season. Even with the addition of Thomas Jones, only a fool can ignore the fact that "giving the ball to Jamaal gives you the greatest chance to win." Jones will poach goal-line carries, but he's going to have to break down eventually (especially behind an inferior offensive line than what he had in New York). He's only 24 as well, so he's a strong pick in keeper/dynasty drafts.
- Projections: 1,450 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 45 receptions, 325 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs with the upside for even more.
Thomas Jones might see some value if picked later in the draft. He'll be 32 this year, two years after the runningback deathmark. His carries will drop significantly from the load he was receiving with the Jets, but he will still be the team's short yardage back, and work in to spell Charles. He's not a bad 4th runningback for your fantasy squad and has a strong chance to score any week.
- Projections: 600 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs with irrelevant receiving totals.
As I proclaimed before, the KC aerial attack will struggle mightily this season, even with Chris Chambers acclimation to the offense and all-purpose rookie Dexter McCluster. Stay away from Cassel as anything but a 2nd quarterback in deep leagues. Chris Chambers doesn't posses the elite speed he once had to make up for his small stature. Dwayne Bowe was a one-year fluke and doesn't have the commitment to stay out of Todd Haley's doghouse. He will not justify how high he is being selected in drafts, so stay away. The only player with much upside in the passing game is RB/WR McCluster, but he likely won't become fantasy relevant until the next year or so.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kansas City has some upside for a couple of their secondary players: Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers. Flowers is the safer bet; at the cornerback position, he puts up a respectable number of tackles each season (roughly 60 solo tackles each year), and he hauled in 5 interceptions last year. He's only 24 so look for him to keep improving.
- Projections: 60 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 6 INTs, 2 forced fumbles, 21 passes defended.
Eric Berry is a rookie, but more NFL-ready than any safety in recent memory. Although there is such a limited body of work to reference, he has the ability to make tackles and be a game changer with the ball in the air. These skills should extrapolate to a high tackle, respectable turnover totaled season.
- Projections: 75 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 5 INTs, 3 forced fumbles, 15 passes defended.
Charles probably cemented his starting job after his running last season but the way you laid it out seems to be right. Jones will get more TDs with Charles getting the yards and receptions. Chiefs need to keep the ball on the ground to have a shot at winning some games.
ReplyDeleteEric Berry and Brandon Flowers are the only two defensive players I would look at as well. Both have great upsides and should keep improving as the season progresses.