KC Chiefs: Three fantasy football sleepers for 2022

The Kansas City Chiefs offense is well-rounded entering the 2022 season. While some options stand out, do not overlook the fantasy value of these three players.

Fantasy football season is here! It is an exciting time that marks the impending return of regular-season football. From beginning to end, fantasy football allows millions of fans to pilot their own team, make personnel decisions, and win en route to a league championship. Several wise participants will look to the Kansas City Chiefs for a few fantasy options.

The Chiefs have viable fantasy options at nearly every position. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce rank amongst the best fantasy options at their positions. The wide receiving corps and running back room have several players who could round out a roster. Arguably, the Cheifs defense is the team’s worst representative for fantasy gurus.

A championship fantasy team is built in the later rounds. The draft’s last round can be as important as its first, ensuring a fantasy team withstands the unpredictable reality of football. There are three Kansas City players who may be available later in your draft, or in the post-draft free agent pool. Let’s look at these players and what value they bring to a fantasy team.

Running back Jerick McKinnon

Running back Jerick McKinnon may be joining a crowded Chiefs running back room, but he has prevailed in similar circumstances before.

McKinnon returned to Kansas City in June, signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs. Kansas City enters the season with several rushing options, including incumbent starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire, free agency addition Ronald Jones, and rookie Isiah Pacheco. What makes McKinnon different though is he is Kansas City’s best fantasy option at running back when given the chance.

In the final stretch of Kansas City’s 2021 season, McKinnon was clearly the Chiefs’ lead back. From Week 18 through the AFC Championship, McKinnon averaged more than 14 points in PPR leagues, with four receptions per game. Mahomes and head coach Andy Redi heaped praise upon McKinnon in the postseason, another sign of the team’s trust in the veteran.

Currently, McKinnon has an average draft position (ADP) of 271st overall, while being 73rd amongst running backs. McKinnon is the Chiefs’ best receiving option out of the backfield, a huge boost to his fantasy stock. While he may not be a goal-line option like Jones, McKinnon has proven he can produce in Reid’s system. if you make McKinnon a priority free agent or take a late-round flier on him, odds are McKinnon will succeed if the chance arises.