2010 Fantasy Team Predictions: Kansas City Chiefs
After busting through the AFC East, AFC North, and AFC South, NFL Soup looks ahead to the AFC West, starting with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are coming off of a four win season last year after their 63 million dollar investment in Matt Cassel struggled.
Can Cassel live up to his huge contract?
Let’s look ahead and find out what kind of fantasy impact the “Chefs” have going into 2010:
1. Matt Cassel Can Succeed
In 2009, Matt Cassel had a few problems finding his accuracy, completing just 55% of his passes after completing over 63% with New England. Cassel knows how to produce, and he showed sparks of consistency last year once a consistent running game was established. With Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in the backfield, and Dwayne Bowe as his top receiver, there’s no reason why he won’t be more consistent and get the ball into the end-zone.
On top of that, his offensive line improved in the second half of the season. As of now, we would not target Cassel any higher than a QB2 in deeper leagues, but he’d be a solid later round selection for matchup purposes, as he could prove to be a sleeper.
2. Jamaal Charles Will Be the Workhorse
Jamaal Charles had to be patient in 2009 sitting behind the incumbent Larry Johnson for the first half of the season. After the Johnson “Twitter” debacle cleared and the Chiefs placed him on waivers, Charles seized every opportunity, finishing the season rushing for 968 yards on 161 carries from week 10 to week 17. On top of that, Charles finished with 40 receptions out of the backfield.
Charles is a top RB2, and potential RB1. In point per reception leagues, he may end up becoming a legit RB1 option and would be worth a pick in the bottom of the second round and further. However, we do suggest that you keep an eye on Thomas Jones and the Chiefs’ depth chart leading into the season.
3. Dwayne Bowe Knows How to Catch
This isn’t something the Chiefs has been familiar with: Wide receivers with hands. Bowe has been making plays quietly despite a slightly disappointing 2009 campaign, in which he missed four games due to a Drug Policy suspension from Mr. Goodell. Still, with the Chiefs looking to have a successful running game, and Bowe’s freakish ability on the field, it’s hard to see him not succeeding after his first two seasons in which he had over 150 receptions for over 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Bowe is currently valuable as a WR3 or Flex play. Don’t be surprised at all, however, if he finishes as a top-15 receiver in the NFL, especially if Cassel can step it up.
4. Don’t Overpay for Thomas Jones
Jones is coming off of his best statistical season in his 10-year career. However, it’s important to note that Jamaal Charles is likely going to be the man in Kansas City. On top of that, Jones is 32 years old heading into the season and is coming off of a 331 carry season, second to only Tennessee Titans stud back, Chris Johnson.
The good thing about Jones is that he will probably get the call more often than not in goal-line situations, so he can still get his touchdowns. However, inconsistent touches are going to make his value limited. Right now, Jones’ value is as a RB3, or a Flex position, and I wouldn’t target him too high. Chances are, somebody in your league will overpay for him.
5. Chris Chambers Has Sleeper Potential
After a disappointing start with the Chargers in 2009, Chambers was waived and then picked up by the Chiefs. In just nine starts with Kansas City, Chambers averaged 16.9 yards per catch, while grabbing 36 passes for 608 yards. With Charlie Weis now running the offense, this Chiefs offense will go down the field more often, and Chambers can stretch the field and make plays.
We’re banking on Dwayne Bowe to have a career season and start commanding a little more help over the top, and that could be just what Chambers needs. Even after Bowe came back from his suspension, Chambers caught the ball well and made himself a nice target for the struggling Cassel. Target Chambers in late rounds to fill a bench spot and he could be a nice matchup player.
