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Fantasy Football 2016 Preview: Kansas City Chiefs running backs

By Zachary Thompson

Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Kansas City won 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Kansas City won 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Chiefs Running Backs-Overall Outlook

Last year, the Chiefs ranked in the top ten in the NFL in rush attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per rush, and rushing play percentage.  Kansas City got 38.72% of its offense on the ground last season, and all those stats don’t count the contributions of the Chiefs running backs in the passing game.

Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin were both great targets in the passing game for Alex Smith, but he also used Charcandrick West, Jamaal Charles, and De’Anthony Thomas out of the backfield.  West led the team in rushing yards and carries last season, but this year hit looks like he’ll start the season as the #3 option on the depth chart.

The Chiefs running backs haven’t had much transition this offseason returning pretty much the same group. However, the same can’t be said of the line that will be blocking in front of them. Kansas City added Mitchell Shwartz as a big free agent addition at tackle which will help compensate for the loss of guard Jeff Allen who signed with the Texans after being benched to start last season.

Expect the Chiefs offense to again be a run-heavy attack this year which makes the Chiefs running backs good fantasy options. Let’s take a look at all the fantasy options from the KC backfield, where they’re currently being drafted (according to fantasypros.com ADP), and what you can expect from them this season.

Next: Charles is back, but is he back as an RB1?

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