The Kansas City Chiefs upcoming game against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football is a key game in determining the AFC West division champion this season. Earlier this season the Chiefs fell 20-17 to the Chargers in San Diego. It was the first time the Chiefs had shown some life after getting blown out by a combined score of 89-10 in their first two games against Buffalo and Detroit. The Chargers currently lead the division at 4-2 but the Chiefs aren't far behind at 3-3. A win this week for the Chiefs would put them in a three-way tie with Oakland and San Diego for the division lead.
The last time these two teams played it was Dwayne Bowe that led the Chiefs with four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. Bowe has become a truly elite receiver in this league and he is an obvious must-start for any fantasy owner. But it's the other two receivers for the Chiefs that have some fantasy value as well this week.
Steve Breaston has really come along over the last few games and is a valuable No. 2 for the Chiefs, and a solid bye-week replacement in deeper fantasy leagues. Breaston has had over 200 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games. He's not much of a red-zone target because the guy on the other side of the field (Bowe) is a beast around the end-zone. But he's solid to give you 60-80 yards this week while the Chiefs are at home against a team they had success throwing the ball against the last time they met.
A sleeper option this week is rookie wide receiver Jon Baldwin. If you have a solid option I don't advise you to bench them for Baldwin. But if you're hurting this week and you need a sleeper, Baldwin could be that guy. His debut wasn't lighting up a stats sheet with only one catch for fourteen yards last week against the Raiders. But he was targeted five times and Matt Cassel missed him on a few throws that would have bumped up that line. The Chargers also struggled last week against the New York Jets' Plaxico Burress in the red-zone. Burress torched them in the red-zone for three touchdowns last week. I believe the Chargers are fully aware of Dwayne Bowe's success in this area and that may leave the door open for the 6'4 228lb Baldwin to use that size to haul in a touchdown this week on Monday Night Football.
The Chiefs' defense could also be a start this week for your fantasy team. The Chargers' struggles on special teams seem to not be at the level as last year, but Dexter McCluster's punt return against the Chargers in Kansas City last year was one of the highlights of the season and there could be an encore performance. Earlier this season Philip Rivers went 24-38 for 266 yards and two interceptions with no touchdowns against the Chiefs. Rivers has been responsible for 13 turnovers this season with nine interceptions and four fumbles. Add the fact that the Chiefs just intercepted Raiders' quarterbacks six times last week and you have the makings of a defense and special teams that could throw up some points for your team this week.
This is a very important game for both the Chiefs and Chargers, but it's also that time of the season where your fantasy team seperates itself from the herd as you position yourself for bragging rights and a fantasy title.
Good luck this weekend.