Fantasy Football Waiver Wire 2014: Top 10 Week 1 pickups

Travis Kelce-TE-Kansas City Chiefs (7.4%)

The Chiefs receivers are unimpressive as a whole and not a big part of Kansas City’s gameplan on a week-to-week basis.  Dwayne Bowe is their top WR but is suspended for week 1 due to violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy while the rest of their receiving corps is paper thin.  However, the Chiefs don’t utilize their WR as much as other teams.

Normally, the Chiefs look to Jamaal Charles to carry the offense in both the running and passing game, but they will need some other options which will most likely come from other backs or possible from the tight end position.  His potential role as a primary pass-catcher is part of what makes Kelce so intriguing as he plays his first year in the league.  Last year, the rookie from Cincinnati injured his knee and missed the entire season. According to reports, he’s back healthy and ready to contribute to the Chiefs offense that desperately will be seeking options.

The QB that Kelce will work with, Alex Smith, has a very good history with tight ends going back to when he made Vernon Davis his primary weapon in San Francisco.  If Kelce can establish that kind of connection he definitely has top 6 TE potential.  There is some risk with Kelce which is why he’s on the waiver wire since he has to prove he has that connection.  In fact, he’s actually behind Anthony Fasano on the depth chart in KC although I think he’ll be the more fantasy relevant of the two.  Kelce is a sleeper pickup that could pay off if you’re looking to stash some potential in the back up tight end slot on your roster.