The Morning Fix

Fantasy Studs — Forget about Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles is the elite fantasy player in Kansas City. A year ago, he topped 1,000 yards rushing, including four consecutive 100-plus yard games to close out the season. His 259 yards in week 17 was a team record. Selecting him as a No. 2 fantasy RB wouldn’t be a waste. Breakout — After spending a year in Todd Haley’s doghouse, Dwayne Bowe should be a vital part of the Chiefs’ offense. His ability and Charlie Weis’ offensive mind mesh together well. From a pure talent stand point, he’s head and shoulders the top receiving threat the Chiefs have. Sleeper — Considering coach Haley is hard on his players, there isn’t a guarantee Bowe works his way out of the doghouse. If that‘s the case, Chris Chambers will reap the reward. Last year, with the Chiefs, he had 608 receiving yards in only nine games. That can be projected to over 1,000 yards over the course of a 16-game season. Still, his fantasy value is pretty much dependant on whatever happens with Bowe, as this isn’t an offense big enough for two solid fantasy WRs. Player to Avoid — Not that I would avoid Thomas Jones entirely, but he’s not your ordinary RB coming off a 1,400 yard season. He’ll take a backseat to Charles and figures to be a bench player at best.

2010 Fantasy Football Preview: AFC West-Fantasyfootballjungle.com

The fifth pick in the draft went to the Kansas City Chiefs, who tabbed Tennessee Volunteer strong safety Eric Berry. No less an authority than retired NFL-er Rodney Harrison, a much-lauded safety for the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, has lavished considerable praise on Berry before the first snap of the 2010 season. Harrison’s career body of work is considerable and impressive – it’s very likely to land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Yet, the retiree feels that Berry will produce an even better career when all is said and done. That’s a reflection of the extent to which Harrison appreciates Berry’s instincts as a safety. The particular advantage Berry has in this race is that as a safety, he will be in position to make a lot of tackles in one-on-one situations. He’ll also be able to snag interceptions and stuff the stat sheet in ways that an interior defensive lineman might not be able to do. Berry will have every chance in the world to show the NFL just how dynamic a player he really is.

NFL Picks – Who Will Win 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?-Betus.com

Oakland

Campbell seldom had solid blind-side protection in Washington; does he have it now with John Henderson (who had a shaky 2009)? How much can Michael Bush`s power running help what figures to be an upgraded passing game? How much can heavy-hitting rookie linebacker Rolando McClain help a 29th-ranked run defense, and will he come off the field in passing situations? Is this the year the Raiders close the gap on San Diego and Denver?

Rookies and veterans: Wednesday, in Napa, Calif.

Kansas City

Matt Cassel was widely expected to go through a bumpy transition period in going from New England to Kansas City, and he did. This season, will he be more of the quarterback he was with the Patriots? Linebacker Derrick Johnson finished the 2009 season strong (two interception returns for touchdowns against Denver). Will he carry that momentum into this season? Will Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles be a formidable running back tandem?

Rookies and veterans: Thursday, in St. Joseph, Mo.

AFC West up for season of change-Dailycamera.com

The real issue for the Chiefs is their defense. Last season, the Kansas City defense gave up over 26 points per game on average and ranked 31 st against the run.

The Chiefs acquired defensive mastermind Romeo Crennel in the offseason to help improve one of the worst defenses in the league in the 2009 NFL betting season.

On the upside, the Chargers don’t look too threatening on the ground and with the suspension of pro bowl receiver Vincent Jackson for drinking and driving (again), Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers will be looking for Antonio Gates every time down the field.

Chargers receiver Malcolm Floyd steps into the number one receiver option in Jackson’s absence.

If Chiefs lockdown corner Brandon Flowers can handle Floyd one-on-one (which he should be able to do), the new 3-4 defensive scheme in Kansas City will allow for help coverage from linebackers on Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Deep ball coverage will come from new rookie starter, strong safety Eric Berry.

The Kansas City Chiefs will expose a weak Charger run defense, which gave up at least 100 yards rushing in six straight games (excluding a meaningless Week 17 game) to finish their 2009 NFL betting season.

With few passing options and an unsure rushing attack, the Chargers won’t cover in this Week 1 AFC West Division matchup.

NFL Betting UPSET Pick – Week 1 – Kansas City Covers Against The Chargers-Betus.com

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