2014 Review

Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith was not typically owned in many fantasy leagues unless he was used in two-quarterback formats. For anyone having to use Smith in their lineups last year, he ranked 19th overall in fantasy points. Smith passed for 3,265 yards, 18 touchdowns and had six interceptions. All we say about this is nice job to Smith for keeping his interceptions low.

Being that the Chiefs are a run-heavy offense, doesn’t make Smith a very enticing fantasy option moving forward.

Speaking of the Chiefs’ ground game, their star running back Jamaal Charles was the best fantasy player to own for that team. Although, Charles’ overall production took dip in 2014. Drafted by many as the first-overall pick in fantasy drafts last year, Charles rounded out the year ranked seventh among his fellow running backs. The beginning of the 2014 season was a trying one for those who owned Charles. He dealt with an injury that had him limited the first two games sitting and out for the third game.

Luckily, he came to life in Week 4 and posted 108 total yards and three touchdowns. He remained strong through most of the season until the last three weeks when the team opted to limit his carries.

When Charles wasn’t in action, his backup rusher Knile Davis took the carries. Davis was only advisable to draft as a backup to Charles last season.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs’ fantasy receiver options were a complete joke in 2014. When the top receiver ranks 62nd in fantasy points and scores zero touchdowns, it is time to run. That is what former Chiefs’ wideout Dwayne Bowe accomplished in 2014. He tallied 60 catches on 95 targets for 754 yards.

If you can even name another wide receiver on the Chiefs’ roster last year who scored any fantasy points, your memory is better than mine.

Luckily, tight end Travis Kelce was there to pick up the slack for the team. Kelce was responsible for 67 receptions, 862 yards and five touchdowns. For those who drafted him in later rounds last season or picked him from the waiver wire, he rewarded decently, ranking ninth overall in fantasy points.

Veteran Additions

Much-needed by the Chiefs is wide receiver Jeremy Maclin whom the Philadelphia Eagles let walk during the free-agency period. This is good for the Chiefs, but not necessarily so good for anyone considering drafting Maclin. Maclin comes from an awesome 2014 season where he totaled 85 receptions, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Playing with a quarterback who could not manage a single touchdown to a wide receiver could be scary for Maclin this season. Clearly, he is an upgrade over Bowe, but we are going to have to watch how Maclin and Smith align during the preseason to get a feel for what Maclin will bring to the fantasy table this year. His fantasy value is bound to tumble some this season.

NFL Draft

None.

Potential Breakout Star

The only person who could thrive more than expected is Davis should Charles miss any time during his eighth season. If the team wants to make sure their feature player stays healthy, they may scale back on Charles’ carries this season. Davis made some memorable plays last season when he filled in for Charles. He makes for a good handcuff stash in the event Charles misses time.

Potential Disappointment

Smith could easily disappoint if drafted for the specific reason that he now has Maclin to pass to. Unfortunately, Smith will continue to misfire and fall short on longer passes. The Chiefs will continue to focus on their ground game which unfortunately does not bode well for the fantasy value of their quarterback. Maclin should help Smith move from his zero touchdown to receiver stat from last season. However, he is not going to turn Smith into a top-10 producing quarterback.