Fantasy Sleepers
The bigger question fantasy wise is what Chiefs players can we rely on or consider outside of the Big 3. Obviously, if you are considering playing guys like Hardman, Pringle or Robinson then your fantasy troubles include more than just trying to squeak out a win (or two) for a playoff push. I would not advise any of those guys even sniffing the starting lineup, but there is another Chief that could provide some major upside should you roll him out into your lineup.
That is none other than Clyde Edwards-Helaire (“CEH”). Look, I am sure many managers are just a tad salty at the fact that CEH was a first/second round selection and has not panned out to justify that choice. However, this is a guy who is coming off a 14.6 point outing against Dallas, straight off the IR. He is currently projected to score roughly 10.5 points against Denver, but I feel that is hindered by the projections the various fantasy apps are giving to Darrel Williams (around 8.7 points).
We saw Williams get a mere 5 touches in Week 11 when we were all skeptical about how much Reid & Co. would use CEH right out of the gate and how much Williams’s 5-week stretch of solid offensive contribution would keep him in the lineup. Those touches answer the question right there though, CEH is “the guy” for this offense if he is healthy and available.
With that being said, I believe CEH comes into this Denver game with some tremendous upside for any fantasy lineup. It is obviously going to be somewhat dependent on the game-flow/script, but I think it is fair to project closer to 15+ points out of CEH with at least 1 touchdown on the ground. I would have no problems with putting him in my lineup over some of the other RB1/RB2 options available for this week especially with the Browns, Titans and Packers on bye this week.
Next for some potential lineup consideration is the Chiefs defensive unit. I for one am a big fantasy streamer in terms of defense, and I used to believe that played a big part in fantasy success. However, it seems that more and more people nowadays are on the “streaming grind” and as such, less and less of the top-tier streaming options are available on a weekly basis.
As such, I feel the Chiefs D/ST are a solid streaming option for managers looking for some “big-points” potential. We are all aware of the magical defensive run the Chiefs are currently on, and I do not see the Denver game putting a stop to that narrative. The Chiefs defense is currently projected to score roughly 5.5 fantasy points but this is also the same unit that has put up 10+ points across it’s last three matchups. Not to mention the fact that the “run-heavy” Broncos could potentially be without Melvin Gordon and 2-3 starters on their offensive line. These potential injuries could lead to Denver relying on rookie running-back Javonte Williams or ole Teddy Two-Gloves for any offensive production.
Bottom line, this Chiefs D/ST unit will enter Sunday with both upside and momentum on their side to drastically impact a fantasy playoff push for any manager who plugs them in.
Best of luck to all of you making that final push towards fantasy greatness. May the odds be ever in your favor!