Kansas City Chiefs 2013 Fantasy Team Preview
The Kansas City Chiefs, in my opinion, finally have a head coach who they can feel rock-solid and confident in. Andy Reid is a great football coach and football mind. Philadelphia never quite gave him the credit he deserved while always keeping the Eagles in the hunt.
Reid has embraced a new place and a fresh start. He has some talent on his roster at some key positions and I’m sure he’ll be able to maximize it. However, it will take some time as is always the case with a learning curve amongst players.
Here’s what we have from the Chiefs this season.
Alex Smith (Quarterback)
After losing his job to the electric Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco, Smith starts a new chapter with a new coach in Andy Reid who is a great QB teacher. If Smith can’t embrace anything Reid is teaching and improve at QB then he will truly be remembered as one of the biggest draft busts ever.
Smith will have weapons in his offense to help him be successful. Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said that “Smith was the best QB in the league.” That’s an absolute laugher but Smith could come out and have marginal success. At best, given a good matchup, he could be a bye week savior for you.
Jamaal Charles (Running Back)
Here’s the key to the Chiefs offense. Charles is an RB1 all day. He is explosive and will get touches every single week. He has the ability to break one at any given time. The only thing that’s questionable is injury. As he was out with an injury after 2 games in 2011. He had a great season in 2012 with over 1,500 yards but only 5 TD’s. Durability and TD’s are a concern but I would expect him to be fine and his TD’s to go up considerably in an Andy Reid offense.
Dexter McCluster (Running Back/Wide Receiver)
McCluster is interesting because you can fill him on a roster spot as either a WR or RB and play him at either position. McCluster is a dynamic back that I think Kansas City will line up all over the field in different formations and get him touches. He has great speed and quickness and can break one in a hurry. I have a feeling this guy will be a hot waiver item within the first few weeks of the season. If he gets touches, the flexibility of moving him in different positions on your roster is nice to have.
Dwayne Bowe (Wide Receiver)
Bowe is and should be considered a WR1. His targets were down considerably last season but I’d expect that to change this year. In 2012 Bowe had 114 targets compared to 2011 and 141 targets. The QB situation last year didn’t help Bowe any either. Alex Smith is an upgrade but he’ll benefit maostly with Andy Reid’s offensive mind and concept that will definitely find ways to isolate him.
Donnie Avery (Wide Receiver)
Avery comes over from the Colts to be the #2 WR for the Chiefs. Avery had a decent year in Indianapolis grabbing 60 receptions for 783 yards and 3 TD’s. With defenses having to always key on Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe, Avery could have his first 1,000 yard season.
Anthony Fasano (Tight End)
An always important position in an Andy Reid offense is the tight end. Fasano is a big target and has pretty good hands. Reid like to get his big guys the ball on third down and in the redzone so Fasano could be valuable if he starts to get redzone TD’s. We might even see some two-TE sets out of the Chiefs; involving Fasano even more. I could see Fasano grabbing 50 receptions for around 600 yards and 5 TD’s this year.
Also keep in mind TE Tony Moeaki. Fasano will get most of the snaps but Moeaki has the potential to be a go-to guy as well.
Chiefs Defense/Special Teams
We know not to draft the Chiefs defense. There are plenty of other options to go with. And it’s not like their going to be fixed over night. They could be a nice bye week fill given a good matchup. Dexter McCluster will handle punt and kickoff return duties so there is always a possiblity for TD points with him. Other than that, not much else to hype for the Chiefs’ defense.
