NFL FANTASY FOOTBALL
 Kansas City Chiefs - Priority News
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| Bobby Wade - WR |
Posted 11/19/09 4:13pm et |
| The Kansas City Star reports Kansas City Chiefs WRs Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade will share snaps at receiver while WR Dwayne Bowe is suspended. Bradley has downfield speed but has dropped some passes while Wade has good hands but is not much of a big-play threat. |
The Huddle's Take: Chris Chambers, even though he's been with the Chiefs for only a short while, will be the No. 1 receiver while Bradley and Wade split time at the No. 2 slot.
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| Dwayne Bowe - WR |
Posted 11/17/09 2:17pm et |
| The Kansas City Chiefs announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that the National Football League has suspended WR Dwayne Bowe for four games for 'violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.' Bowe's suspension will begin immediately. |
The Huddle's Take: There's a surprise. Bowe hasn't exactly been a Fantasy stud, with only 466 yards and four TDs on the season, but he was at least a serviceable option most weeks. Chris Chambers now becomes the No. 1 receiver most likely, with Lance Long serving as the No. 2.
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| Dwayne Bowe - WR |
Posted 11/17/09 4:43pm et |
| ESPN.com reports Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe's four-game suspension has to do with his use of diuretics, and was trying to lose weight back in training camp, according to a source. Bowe will not be appealing the suspension. |
The Huddle's Take: Well now we know why he was suspended, although it obviously doesn't change anything. Since this one basically came out of the blue, it makes us wonder what other surprises may be lurking that will affect Fantasy rosters as leagues near their playoffs. The earliest Bowe could come back is Week 15. Normally we would recommend that you immediately jettison Bowe from your lineup, because you need as much roster flexibility as you can get for your playoff push. However, the Chiefs host Cleveland the week Bowe returns, a matchup that could garner big numbers for the second-year receiver. If you can spare the space, hold on to Bowe and have him as an option should you be in a playoff game that week.
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| Chris Chambers - WR |
Posted 11/13/09 11:47am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs QB Matt Cassel and WR Chris Chambers are working on building a chemistry with each other. Chambers said one will come as they work with each other and gain experience. |
The Huddle's Take: The chemistry they had in Chambers' first game as a Chief, which resulted in two Chambers touchdowns, seems to be pretty good already. But if Cassel and Chambers are working on building chemistry, what does it mean for Dwayne Bowe?
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/12/09 11:27am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs head coach Todd Haley would not rule out the possibility of RB Kolby Smith starting in Week 10. |
The Huddle's Take: The Chiefs don't have many options in their backfield. Jamaal Charles got the start last week after Larry Johnson was kicked to the curb, but as a team KC rushed the ball just a dozen times. Smith was recently activated off the PUP list after missing about a year with a knee injury; maybe the Chiefs want to see what he can bring to their running game before making offseason plans.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/10/09 4:01pm et |
| The Kansas City Star reports the Kansas City Chiefs are likely to use a running-back-by-committee with free-agent RB Larry Johnson (Chiefs) gone. The committee will include RBs Kolby Smith, Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage. Charles started and played more snaps in Week 9, but Smith could eventually take more of the workload. The team still appears hesitant to give the ball to Charles in running formations. |
The Huddle's Take: RBBCs are bad enough for any team, but when one is deployed on a squad as lousy as the Chiefs, it's even worse. Fantasy owners struggling at RB were probably hoping either Smith, Charles or Savage would emerge as a clear-cut No. 1, because even though they play on a bad team they'd at least get a lot of carries. But that doesn't look like it'll be the case, rendering all of them useless from a Fantasy perspective.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 11/9/09 11:23am et |
| The Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday, Nov. 9, that they have released RB Larry Johnson. |
The Huddle's Take: It was only a matter of time before this became official. If Johnson clears waivers—likely, since no other team will want to pick up his remaining salary—he'll become a free agent. And then we'll get to see if he's the next Cedric Benson... or Maurice Clarett.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/9/09 11:53am et |
| Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RBs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith combined to average more than five yards per carry in Week 9. However, the team gave the tandem the football only 10 times during the game. The Chiefs ran a total of 12 running plays, while QB Matt Cassel threw 39 times. The Chiefs' opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, surprised the team by playing mostly a 4-3 defense during the game. "It wasn't what we practiced against," head coach Todd Haley said. "I thought for the most part we had an idea of what was going on. (The offensive imbalance) was all predicated (on the defense). On a lot of our runs, there was a lot of pressure coming. They were bringing safeties from both edges, run blitzes we call them." |
The Huddle's Take: The Chiefs have had limited success running the football all season long, and with Larry Johnson out of the picture it's not surprising that their backups received limited looks. Ideally Haley's offense will have more balance, though that wasn't necessarily the case in Arizona last year and is in no way a requirement.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/7/09 6:24pm et |
| The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they have activated RB Kolby Smith (knee) from the Physically Unable to Perform list. |
The Huddle's Take: If you're needing last minute help on a deep bye week, Smith could be a dark horse, though it would be a stretch. Either way, he'll be the back up this week for KC and should see a handful of caries.
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| Bobby Engram - WR |
Posted 11/7/09 11:30pm et |
| Scout.com reports the Kansas City Chiefs have waived WR Bobby Engram. |
The Huddle's Take: Not a big surprise, with Chambers coming on board, but Engram did have higher expectations going in. He may catch on somewhere else, but has little to no fantasy value.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/5/09 11:13am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RB Kolby Smith likely will not get many carries in Week 9. |
The Huddle's Take: Smith is just a year removed from knee surgery and has yet to see any game action this season, so the Chiefs will likely ease him back into duty. Jamaal Charles will start out as KC's primary ball carrier while Larry Johnson is out.
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| Chris Chambers - WR |
Posted 11/5/09 12:02pm et |
| Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs head coach Todd Haley indicated that WR Chris Chambers may play in Week 9. |
The Huddle's Take: Chambers is a veteran, so the learning curve shouldn't be too steep. The Chiefs could use all the help they can get at wide receiver, so even if Chambers is limited to just a handful of routes and plays he could contribute immediately.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 11/4/09 10:55am et |
| Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs head coach Todd Haley stopped
short of saying the team would activate RB Kolby Smith for Week 9, but he did indicate
it was likely. "I'm optimistic about having the opportunity to see him play," Haley said of
Smith. |
The Huddle's Take: Smith has been practicing with the team and split first-team reps with Jamaal Charles
last week, so he's certainly on the team's radar. Expect Smith and Charles to head up the
committee that fills the void left by Larry Johnson's suspension.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 11/2/09 10:36am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Chiefs have considered releasing RB Larry Johnson, according to an industry source. However, the team is cautious of the precedent releasing Johnson might set. The team does not want to send a message that if a player wants out of Kansas City, all he would have to do is speak out or act up to get his way. The team is keeping a close eye on Johnson and how he reacts to his suspension, according to the source. |
The Huddle's Take: With the Chiefs' franchise clearly in disarray, setting the precedent of "complain and you're gone" might backfire as veterans line up to jump ship. On the other hand, LJ has continued to be a distraction and is obviously not buying into the team's new direction... whatever direction that may be.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/31/09 11:25pm et |
| ESPN reports the Kansas City Chiefs have reached a settlement with RB Larry Johnson regarding his suspension. Johnson will still be suspended two weeks, but he will only lose one game check. |
The Huddle's Take: Johnson may have worn out his welcome in Kansas City with this latest incident as the Chiefs will utilize Jamaal Charles much more in the offense. Fantasy owners who have Larry Johnson should take a chance to pickup Charles if he is available since Johnson could see more limited action even when he returns from suspension.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/30/09 10:36am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RB Larry Johnson and the team are working on a settlement that could affect his future, according to Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer. Johnson is also working on an appeal of his two-week suspension. |
The Huddle's Take: The best thing for all involved would be for LJ to get a fresh start elsewhere. The Chiefs know he has zero trade value and likely want him gone before NFL trading opens up again after the season; they also would prefer not to give Johnson a $4 million parting gift when they release him, which is in essence what would happen with KC on the hook for what's left of the guaranteed money from his 2007 contract extension. Expect the two sides to ultimately agree upon a dollar figure that buys Larry his freedom from the Chiefs—and vice versa.
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| Kolby Smith - RB |
Posted 10/29/09 11:42am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RBs Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles split most of the practice time with the first team Wednesday, Oct. 28. |
The Huddle's Take: With Larry Johnson out of the picture, at least for the short term, there are carries to be had in Kansas City. Charles is viewed as more of a change of pace back rather than one capable of carrying a full workload, which means Smith might see the larger portion of the carries.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/28/09 12:09pm et |
| ESPN.com reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is not expected to play in the team's next game, Nov. 8, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson issued an apology Tuesday, Oct. 27, and was told to stay away from the team while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a gay slur. |
The Huddle's Take: It wouldn't be at all surprising if the Chiefs turned their suggestion to stay away from the team into a permanent invitation. Jamal Charles would be in line for an uptick in touches, though he doesn't appear to be an every-down solution. Dantrell Savage is the only other back on the Chiefs' active roster, but Kolby Smith is eligible to come off the PUP list and Jarvarris Williams is on the practice squad.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/28/09 11:38pm et |
| KCChiefs.com reports the Kansas City Chiefs have suspended RB Larry Johnson for conduct detrimental to the club. Johnson's suspension will be effective immediately, and he will not be permitted to participate in any team activities or be on team premises until Monday, Nov. 9. |
The Huddle's Take: The Chiefs will now turn to Jamaal Charles to carry for ball for Kansas City for the next few games until the length of the suspension to Johnson becomes more clear. Charles should provide fantasy owners with a solid sleeper option especially during the remaining bye weeks of the NFL season. He is a worthy addition to your roster for depth or bye week replacement.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/27/09 10:32am et |
| Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson used a gay slur Monday, Oct. 26, after saying he would not talk to reporters while at the team's locker room. Johnson, sitting down, told reporters that 'I'm not talking till Thursday,' his usual day of speaking with the media. Then Johnson turned away and whispered, 'Get your ****** ass out of here.' Head coach Todd Haley was asked at his news conference about Johnson's comments and said the matter was being investigated by the team. |
The Huddle's Take: Johnson seems determined to force the Chiefs to let him go. The team is going nowhere with or without him, and would probably be served best by eliminating the distraction. Don't be surprised to see Johnson get the Shaun Alexander treatment if he is released, meaning no other team will touch him.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/27/09 3:03pm et |
| The Kansas City Chiefs have instructed RB Larry Johnson to refrain from practicing with the team or participating in other team activities while the NFL investigates the comments that he recently made. A decision on Johnson's status will be made once the investigation is over. |
The Huddle's Take: There you go -- distraction removed. It should only be a matter of time before the Chiefs make this a permanent removal. Johnson may still have a little bit left in the tank to help another team this season if, in fact, he is cut, but a team would have to decide that he's worth the trouble.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/26/09 12:27pm et |
| Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson criticized head coach Todd Haley via his Twitter account for not having playing experience and compared Haley to his father, who is a defensive line coach at Penn State. "My father played for the coach from 'Rememeber the Titans'. Our coach played golf. My father played for the Redskins briefly. Our coach. Nuthn," Johnson Tweeted. |
The Huddle's Take: It's not as if LJ has spent his career in Kansas City endearing himself to the franchise. He's demonstrated limited productivity this season, and perhaps this is the kickoff of his second attempt to angle his way out of town.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/26/09 12:37pm et |
| Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports the agent for Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson said late Sunday, Oct. 25, that his client was simply trying to promote his own father and not to discredit head coach Todd Haley in a Twitter rant. "I talked to Larry about it and he was focusing more on pumping up his father than anything else," agent Peter Schaffer said. "He wasn't trying to downgrade anyone--yes, everyone is frustrated after a loss like this but I wouldn't put too much into it." Johnson had just 49 rushing yards on 16 carries in Week 7. |
The Huddle's Take: Let the spin begin. It's not as if there was a ton of love between LJ and the Chiefs anyway, but Johnson's agent would prefer to operate from a position of strength—and being kicked to the curb midseason with a reputation as a malcontent wouldn't necessarily put them in such a position.
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| Matt Cassel - QB |
Posted 10/25/09 11:07pm et |
| The Associated Press reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was 10-for-25 for 97 yards with a touchdown pass and three interceptions Week 7 against the San Diego Chargers. |
The Huddle's Take: What a difference a year makes and switching teams for Cassel. The talented quarterback has struggled all season to find his rythmn which looks more and more like he and the Chiefs will likely continue to score fantasy points all season long. Cassel should be considered a No. 2 quarterback worthy of starting in certain matchups only at the present time.
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| Dwayne Bowe - WR |
Posted 10/20/09 12:02pm et |
| ESPN.com, reports the Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to trade WR Dwayne Bowe prior to the trade deadline, particularly with Bowe's production improving during the course of the season. |
The Huddle's Take: Bowe could have some fairly significant Fantasy value down the road, and be worth a start if bye week or matchup problems warrant.
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| Dwayne Bowe - WR |
Posted 10/17/09 11:38pm et |
| The Carroll County Times, reports there is nothing concrete to the rumors that the Baltimore Ravens are interested in acquiring Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe for two draft choices. |
The Huddle's Take: There certainly sounds like there could be at least some truth in these rumors as Bowe would make a nice addition to any NFL team. The Chiefs will likely be looking to fill several positions in the offseason and adding some additional draft picks should only aid this effort. Bowe remains a decent No. 2 wideout for fantasy teams with upside this season.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/13/09 10:36am et |
| The Kansas City Star reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is fifth among running backs with 93 carries, but ranks 26th in the league in rushing yardage. His 2.4 yards-per-carry average is the lowest among the league's top 50 rushers. Head coach Todd Haley, however, is not ready to make a change at the position, saying Johnson's issues may be part of a larger offensive problem. 'The kid ran hard,' Haley said. 'He stuck it in there. He needs a little help, too.' The offensive line has been poor, and hasn't created significant running space for Johnson. |
The Huddle's Take: Even though the Chiefs showed flashes of having an actual NFL offense during their game-tying drive against the Cowboys in Week 5, no Kansas City player is worth serious Fantasy consideration at this time -- especially Johnson.
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| Sean Ryan - TE |
Posted 10/10/09 11:29pm et |
| The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs TE Sean P. Ryan currently leads the team with 11 receptions this season. |
The Huddle's Take: Ryan has some big shoes to fill in Kansas City with TE Tony Gonzalez now in Atlanta. However, fantasy owners should view the Chiefs new TE Sean Ryan as a solid option for fantasy teams that utilize the TE position.
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| Larry Johnson - RB |
Posted 10/9/09 11:11am et |
| Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles' time to prove his worth to the team could be running out. RB Kolby Smith is eligible to be activated later in October, and Smith could become the team's No. 2 running back ahead of Charles. RB Dantrell Savage is another option to become the primary backup to RB Larry Johnson. Charles could still figure into the team's plans. If the Chiefs don't view him as a regular, then he could still be used as a spot player capable of causing matchup problems for opposing defenses. |
The Huddle's Take: Charles has received 10 or more touches in a game just once in his career despite averaging 5.5 yards per carry. The Chiefs seem to view him as a third-down, change-of-pace guy rather than a potential feature back, and if they move Smith into the backup role behind Johnson it would only support that thought. Obviously, that would put a crimp in Charles' fantasy value, both this season and long-term.
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| Dwayne Bowe - WR |
Posted 10/5/09 11:06pm et |
| CBSSports.com reports Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) came out of the team's Week 4 game with no further injury to his right hamstring, according to head coach Todd Haley. Haley said, "He worked hard to play last week and he got through the game with no problems. That should help him getting ready this week." |
The Huddle's Take: Good news for Bowe owners. Look for him to be in the lineup ready to roll this weekend. He's not in a great situation for fantasy points, but considering the situation, he's as good as can be expected.
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