We tend to think of an Alex Smith-led offense as uninspiring, but the Chiefs have offered some strong fantasy assets in recent years. Who will be their stars in 2017?
Alex Smith
He’s finished between QB13 and QB22 in each of the last four seasons, which is very respectable for someone considered to be a “game-manager”. The issue is: will he ever actually help you win? Smith doesn’t offer a huge amount of weekly upside through the air (with one 300-yard game in each of the last three seasons and only two games with more than two passing touchdowns in the last two), but offers a pretty sturdy floor.
He’ll likely go undrafted (as he should), but will be a good streaming option depending on matchups. The team may add a young quarterback, but expect him to sit behind Smith if they do.
Spencer Ware
Ware had a breakout year in the absence of an injured Jamaal Charles, but only went over 83 yards once and managed just three rushing touchdowns on the season. He looked good at times, but really couldn’t get things going for fantasy owners in the second half of the year. I’d bet the Chiefs believe (as do I) that he’s best served as part of a committee, and look for an upgrade in this year’s draft. He’s only worth targeting if that doesn’t happen.
Tyreek Hill
One of the NFL’s most controversial storylines, Hill was selected in the fifth round of last year’s NFL Draft but burst onto the scene with 12 total touchdowns in 2016. However, he was simply not a reliable receiver, and could only gain more than 66 yards in a game twice during the season. Granted, he wasn’t on the field for the majority of plays, but where does he fit? I’m wary of a touchdown regression with the explosive speedster, and I’d let someone else take the risk.
Jeremy Maclin
Contrary to Hill, Maclin had easily his worst season since entering the league in 2009 (outside of a full year missed in 2013). He had career lows with 44 catches, 536 yards, two touchdowns and just 65.5 fantasy points (5.5 per game). Again unlike Hill, I like Maclin as a strong value pick in 2017. He’s only 28, and suffered with a groin injury for a lot of last year. With full health, he should come back strong and be a draft day steal.
Travis Kelce
“Baby Gronk” had a huge season, racking up 1,125 yards and finishing as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues. However, we have a keep in mind his top score (221 points) was the lowest by the top tight end since 2006. It was a down year for tight ends, and the position will be shaken up by the return of Rob Gronkowski and a whole host of talented rookies. He’s a good player to have on your team, but won’t be worth the draft cost. Instead, wait on a veteran.
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The Best of the Rest
Charcandrick West has played well in relief of Charles or Ware in recent years, but shouldn’t hold a spot on your rosters. Smith doesn’t provide enough opportunities for Chris Conley or Albert Wilson to offer fantasy value.