Fantasy Football Week 12: Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Kansas City Chiefs

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Week 12 is underway and the Chiefs return to the field after their heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday. This week, they’re back at home in Arrowhead Stadium and ready to make a statement that they’re not going to hit a slide. The San Diego Chargers are in town and that always makes for a big game.

Here are the Chiefs players I believe should start in fantasy football leagues :

Jamaal Charles – RB

Charles has had an off couple of weeks after finding the end zone in eight consecutive games. However, even in a slump, he’s still averaging about 10 fantasy points a game. Against a weak Chargers defense, and back at home in Kansas City, Charles is primed to have a big game. I wouldn’t sit him even if he had four bad weeks in a row. Eventually, he’s going to explode.

Dwayne Bowe – WR

Bowe found the end zone again last week for only the third time all season. Whether it was due to the fact that the Chiefs were playing from behind or just finally opening those last few pages of the playbook titled: “Deep Passes” Bowe actually was targeted on more than a five yard slant. Bowe’s problem is, he sometimes seems to give up on plays, either going to the ground or not trying to break tackles. Still, it did appear that he and quarterback Alex Smith are developing more chemistry, as that back shoulder fade that got Bowe his “six” last week was perfectly timed and executed.

Alex Smith – QB

Smith is taking a lot of blame for the Chiefs offensive woes. It’s not fair, but it’s the name of the game. However, 230 yards and two touchdowns plus another 50 yards on the ground isn’t horrible in fantasy numbers. Depending on your scoring, that’s 26 points. If you have one of the money makers, I wouldn’t play Smith over them. But, if you’re stuck with a dud, throwing Smith in against a bad San Diego pass defense isn’t a horrible idea.

Dexter McCluster – WR

More and more of the plays the Chiefs run are targeting McCluster. There is a bubble screen that the team has run a couple of times this season that has been one or two blocks away from breaking for a huge gain and a touchdown. Playing McCluster is a huge risk/reward. He might get you six points, but he might get you 20. It’s hard to say.

Ryan Succop – K

Mr. Irrelevant is still getting it done this season for the Chiefs. He has only missed three field goals all season and those were all outside of 50 yards. Having Succop will guarantee points. If he’s not your kicker, he should be.

Chiefs D/ST

Here is the enigma of the 2013 Chiefs. For a unit that started off the season at a record breaking pace, this defense has really slowed down. Nobody is sure if offensive coordinators are figuring out defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s defense, or if the game plan is just calling for the Chiefs to back off. Either way, the defense that was once known as the “Sack City Chiefs” hasn’t so much as breathed on a quarterback in three weeks (two games plus a bye.) That could all change on Sunday against the Chargers, but it’s a tough bet. Still, I’m not betting against the Chiefs here.

That’s my take, Addicts. Good luck in all your fantasy league action on Sunday!