Next up in our team previews is the Kansas City Chiefs. Enjoy!
Patrick Mahomes will be one of the most discussed QBs of the 2018 offseason. Opinions on Mahomes range from breakout superstar to unpolished and reckless. The truth, as usual, is likely somewhere in the middle. The 10th overall pick in last year's NFL draft, Mahomes barely played as a rookie thanks in part to a version of Alex Smith we've never seen. Smith likely felt the pressure of the organization bringing in a big play QB and played a bit outside his comfort zone, providing results Fantasy owners reveled in.
The already talented offense has added Sammy Watkins. Watkins has fallen out of favor with many Fantasy owners due to his injury-plagued years in Buffalo and an enigmatic year with the Rams. Will Watkins take KC to another level or simply eat into the Fantasy value of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce?
2018 Fantasy Football Kansas City Chiefs Preview
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Quarterbacks
The Patrick Mahomes era is on its way ? pic.twitter.com/ezoIbcJJuf
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 8, 2018
- Patrick Mahomes
- Chad Henne
- Matt McGloin
Patrick Mahomes will be one of the most discussed QBs of the 2018 offseason. Opinions on Mahomes range from breakout superstar to unpolished and reckless. The truth, as usual, is likely somewhere in the middle. The 10th overall pick in last year's NFL draft, Mahomes barely played as a rookie thanks in part to a version of Alex Smith we've never seen. Smith likely felt the pressure of the organization bringing in a big play QB and played a bit outside his comfort zone, providing results Fantasy owners reveled in.
Smith is now in Washington and Mahomes steps in as the starter with larger shoes to fill than originally expected. On the surface, it seems as if Mahomes is in a position to succeed right from the start. There are weapons all over the field in Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins. On paper, this is as dynamic as it gets.
In order for Hunt, Hill and Kelce to all be Fantasy success stories last season, Smith needed to finish in the top ten in completions, completion percentage, touchdowns, interception percentage, and in sacks. Is it fair for owners to expect something similar from Mahomes? Perhaps not but there is a glaring area of opportunity for this offense, third down and in the Red Zone. The Chiefs were in the middle of the pack when it comes to third down conversion percentage and 29th in the league in Red Zone conversions.
Mahomes will most likely fall short of expectations for those who draft him to be their starting Fantasy QB, but for those who draft him as a backup or streaming option with upside, he fits the bill.
Running Backs
Kareem Hunt led all HBs in missed tackles forced this season pic.twitter.com/SnBQ0t1UhM
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 2, 2018
- Kareem Hunt
- Spencer Ware
- Charcandrick West
- Damien Williams
- Kerwynn Williams
This should be one of the easiest assessment of any position for any team in the NFL this season. To say Hunt burst onto the scene in his rookie season would be an understatement. Hunt led the league in rushing, averaging nearly five (4.9) yards per carry, caught over fifty balls (53) and scored double-digit TDs (11). There are those who believe Hunt is due to suffer some second-year regression. Assuming he does, a runner as talented as Hunt in an Andy Reid offense has a high enough floor to be considered a late first-round pick.
Spencer Ware returns from a nasty leg injury that sidelined him all of last season. It's important to remember, Hunt was drafted to partner with Ware in the backfield, not take over completely. Hunt appears to clearly be the more dynamic player and is not at risk of losing his starting job any time soon, but let's rewind to 2017 before dismissing Ware completely.
Ware finished the 2017 season with 1,368 total yards, showing the ability the play a part in the passing game as well as being a capable runner. Keep an eye on Ware's mobility in the preseason. If fully healthy, he could turn into this year's Fantasy vulture.
Wide Receivers
The Patrick Mahomes-Tyreek Hill connection has some fun potential. pic.twitter.com/71TDziAiDp
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 9, 2018
- LWR: Tyreek Hill
- RWR: Sammy Watkins
- SWR: Chris Conley
- SWR: Demarcus Robinson
The positional group likely impacted the most by the transition from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes, the wideouts. Hill exploded in his second year and became one of the most electric players on the field. Smith and Hill developed a unique connection that enabled Hill to both create with the ball in his hand and stretch the field.
Aside from Mahomes, the biggest difference on the field this season may be the presence of a true secondary WR in Sammy Watkins. Watkins has a similar skillset to Hill in that they have speed to burn but are athletic enough to be dangerous in the open field.
Conley is technically listed as the WR 3 as of now but Demarcus Robinson has shown flashes of being a more complete receiver. If Hill or Watkins were to go down, Robinson could have played himself into a role ahead of Conley by then.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce dominated from the slot in 2017. pic.twitter.com/KoYX1paaB7
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) July 15, 2018
- Travis Kelce
- Demetrius Harris
- Jace Amaro
The only one worth mentioning in this group is Kelce, who is arguably the second best TE in football behind Rob Gronkowski. Kelce finished last season with over 80 receptions and 1,000 yards so even with some regression due to a young QB, we're looking at a clear-cut top five Fantasy TE.
Final Verdict
Kansas City was one of the best teams in the AFC last season and very well could find themselves back in the playoffs in 2018. Mahomes is a dynamic talent. He can run, evade, has a cannon for an arm and could be a stud for years to come. Unfortunately for Mahomes, the player he's compared to frequently is the one and only Jay Cutler. Given that comp, this season could go either way. At least it won't be boring.
Visit the F6P Fantasy Football Draft Kit Page for more advice to prepare for the 2018 season.
Team Previews
| AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | Bengals | Colts | Broncos |
| Dolphins | Browns | Jaguars | Chargers |
| Jets | Ravens | Texans | Chiefs |
| Patriots | Steelers | Titans | Raiders |
| NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Bears | Buccann ers | 49ers |
| Giants | Packers | Panthers | Rams |
| Redskins | Vikings | Saints | Seahawks |
| Eagles | Lions | Falcons | Cardinals |
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