In the NFL, the Chiefs will be reeling from the season-ending injury to Jamaal Charles all season. In the world of fantasy football, one injury simply opens the door for another person to step up. Just like Ben Tate owners enjoyed the week without Arian Foster, so those who picked up Thomas Jones in late rounds are likely to see a greater return on their investment. But how exactly will this affect the Chiefs going forward in terms of fantasy impact.
The important thing to note off the bat is that the Chiefs are set up to be a running first team, Charles or not. Matt Cassel is the kind of quarterback who can manage a game well and make efficient decisions, but not when he has to play catch-up with the other team. The Bills and Lions contests from the first two weeks show proof positive of this. That means the Chiefs should stay somewhat committed to the run at a level decent enough to bring some solid fantasy points.
The first name to consider is Dexter McCluster who broke out a bit against the Lions with 51 yards on only 8 carries. Considering he’s also a receiving threat and a return man, you have some good possibilities here for a breakout candidate in week three.
Thomas Jones is another name, the wingman to Charles in what was supposed to be a repeat of last year’s league leading rushing tandem. Instead, the burden of responsibility falls mostly on Jones’ shoulders, but don’t forget that he ran for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns just two seasons ago for the Jets.
Le’Ron McClain is a bit of a sleeper here, since he was signed as a fullback away from the Baltimore Ravens. Don’t forget that McClain can actually run with the ball as well and Jones wore down last season. McClain’s stock might rise as the year progresses and some goal line carries are possible here. Of course, that’s assuming the Chiefs can even get to that spot.
Charles’ owners are certainly frustrated this morning, mourning with the rest of Chiefs nation. But the Chiefs will find some answers among their RB core and fantasy owners can as well.
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