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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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Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stretches out before the game against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stretches out before the game against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Jamaal Charles

Charles has been one of the most reliable fantasy football running backs over the last seven years.  Since he took over for Larry Johnson after the 2008 season, Charles has posted at least 1,000 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving in five of the last seven seasons.  Both years he fell short were cut short due to injury.

Last year was one of those years as he only played five games running for 364 yards and four touchdowns and adding 177 yards and another touchdown on 21 catches.  Charles blew out his knee in Week 5 against the Bears, and in his absence Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West both showed they can be productive options as well.

Charles is slightly ahead of schedule in his recovery, but he won’t be playing in any preseason games.  He was activated from the PUP list and is taking part in full practices, but the Chiefs won’t risk putting him on the field against another team until the season starts.  He is definitely on track to be on the field Week 1, and the early reports are that he appears to have made a full recovery.

Charles will be one of the most interesting backs to watch this season since he’s a top-four running back when he’s in peak form. The Chiefs center their offense around him as both a rusher and a pass-catcher, and he has proven he can be a true workhorse back and carry your fantasy team.

The question will be whether Ware or West will eat into his workload at all, but I actually see a slight reduction in work a good thing for Charles’ long-term fantasy prospects.  Keeping his touches from going too much over 250 will help him finish the season strong.

Right now, Charles is being drafted as the seventh running back drafted (according to fantasypros.com). He’s going after Lamar Miller and the suspended Le’Veon Bell but ahead of Devonta Freeman, Doug Martin, and Eddie Lacy.  That seems like about the right slot for him, but he has enough upside that you could take him over Miller or even Ezekiel Elliot if your not comfortable with the Dallas rookie. Charles has the upside to be a top-tier back if he’s fully healthy, so I still see him as a RB1.

Next: How much work for Ware?

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