NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Kansas City Chiefs. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
5 Players With Plunging Draft Stock
Must Owns
Jamaal Charles, RB (ADP: 2): Charles is a guarantee to rush for 1,000 yards and contribute in the passing game as long as he’s healthy, and in the past two years touchdowns haven’t been an issue. He’s 28, so age may become a concern soon if it isn’t already, although the Chiefs did a nice job in 2014 of not overloading him with carries. Simply put, Charles is a safe bet near the top of the draft, and he remains the foundation of Kansas City’s offense.
Travis Kelce, TE (ADP: 50): Kelce is one of the most popular sleepers this year, to the point he’s not even close to a sleeper anymore. 2014 was nice—he caught 67 passes and scored five touchdowns—but the hype has gone too far. Greg Olsen and Martellus Bennett are both safer options, and there are tight ends sometimes going undrafted—Austin Seferian-Jenkins in Tampa Bay is one example—who have similar upside. If you can get Kelce a round later or more, jump all over it. Otherwise, 50 is a steep price.
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Jeremy Maclin, WR (ADP: 61): Maclin exploded last season with 85 grabs, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns, which were all career-highs. He probably won’t come very close to that in KC, where Alex Smith is the king of dump-off passes and short throws. Maclin will benefit from the most targets on the team in the passing game, but his yardage and TDs will drop. Don’t bet on Maclin as more than a WR3 in anything shallower than a 14-team league.
Knile Davis, RB (ADP: 154): This isn’t a statement about Davis’ talent, it’s more about needing to own him if you pick Charles. Davis is a quality backup, who is a must-start if Charles is out.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Alex Smith, QB, Standard (ADP: 163): Completely uninspiring, but in two-QB leagues he will not harm you. Andy Reid does not let him throw picks.
Defense/Special Teams (ADP: 173): OLBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are total sack machines, and the Chiefs will have offenses in enough bad situations that it will depress the amount of points they give up.
Deep Sleepers (Best Format)
De’Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Standard (ADP: 306): Thomas is an incredibly explosive player who can make a lot happen after the catch in open space. Smith will be hitting Thomas with tons of short throws, slants and screens, so he will always be a threat to bust a week-winning play. He’ll also be a weekly threat to throw up a doughnut.
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