Fantasy Football 2016 Preview: Kansas City Chiefs running backs

Other Raiders running backs

Knile Davis: Davis was the primary backup in the Chiefs running backs behind Jamaal Charles for years, but he struggled to step up last year when Charles did go down. West and Ware were both more productive and got extensions which could leave Davis as someone else’s backup by the time the season starts. There were rumors that he requested a trade, but nothing has materialized yet.  Unless the situation drastically changes, he can start the season on your league’s waiver wire.

De’Anthony Thomas: Thomas is listed as a receiver in some fantasy football systems and as a running back in others.  He is a home run threat whenever he touches the ball, but he doesn’t have a clearly defined role coming into the season.  Thomas is being pushed for his roster spot by fifth-round rookie Tyreek Hill who has much of the same skill set in the return and receiving game. Thomas has caught all five passes thrown his way this preseason, and he doesn’t have a carry.  At this point, it looks like he is more of a receiver than a running back, but he can be left on the waiver wire to start the season whatever position he qualifies at in your league.

Darrin Reaves: Reaves joined the Chiefs as a free agent after he was let go by the Panthers midway through last season.  Reaves has gotten lots of end-of-the-roster work this preseason including 11 carries for 42 yards in the opener against the Seahawks, but he probably won’t figure into the rotation unless massive injuries hit.  He’s a depth option to be aware of but don’t worry about saving a sleeper spot for him.