New York Jets

Fantasy Football: Five Kansas City Chiefs To Play Vs New York Jets

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets this week at Arrowhead Stadium. Here are five Chiefs for your Fantasy Football lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs did not deliver on last week’s Fantasy Football projections. The Chiefs offense was horrible throughout the game. That was a killer for many fantasy owners as it was believed the Chiefs matched up very well against the Texans defense. The Chiefs get a shot to redeem themselves, but it comes against another perennially tough defense in the New York Jets.

It’s tough to predict Fantasy Football production. For instance, last week should have been huge for Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Instead, he was held largely in check. That’s the kind of thing that can shut down your fantasy team and leave you taking the L.

This week’s test comes in the form of the Jets tremendous defensive line. This may be one of the best units in the entire NFL. The Chiefs may struggle to move the ball on the ground this week, which will put some added pressure on Alex Smith and his receivers to rebound. Can they do it? Well, that is what remains to be seen.

Jets Are Vulnerable

The good news is that the Jets secondary has been pretty ugly this year. Even the venerable Darrelle Revis has been getting picked on. This is what the Chiefs need to take advantage of. Revis will still be covering Jeremy Maclin one on one for most of the game. That means Alex Smith needs to work on getting the ball to his other receivers. This is a perfect game to run the traditional West Coast Offense in.

It will come down to execution. The Chiefs have the tools to really put on a big performance this week. The Jets are vulnerable. Hopefully Alex Smith can regain his fire from Week 1 and put on a strong showing.

Kansas City Chiefs corner Marcus Peters. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs Defense/Special Teams

Projection: >400 yards allowed; >20 points allowed; 3 sacks; 2 INTs; 1 TD scored

The Kansas City Chiefs defense rebounded last week, Fantasy Football wise. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to win the game, but the Chiefs defense did look much stronger. This unit has elite playmakers at every level and can cause the Jets a lot of problems this week.

However, the Jets are not without their own playmakers, especially at wide receiver. Against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets put up two 100 yard receivers, and a third with 92 yards. Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Quincy Enunwa are formidable. Fortunately for KC, it is looking like Mashall and Decker may be limited, if available at all, this week.

Don’t shy away from playing the Chiefs defense this week. Especially after rookie Tyreek Hill showed his big return ability. This unit can put some points on the board. Both Hill and Marcus Peters are prime candidates to give you that D/ST score that can push you over the top.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Smith – Quarterback

Projection: 23/31 for 235 yards and 2 TDs; 5 carries for 30 yards

Plain and simple, the Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback put up a Fantasy Football stinker last week. It was particularly painful considering his top three performance from Week 1. A lot of fantasy owners, including yours truly, thought that Alex Smith would be riding that wave of confidence against a Texans defense that struggles against tight ends.

Instead of exploiting his top match up, or even trying to spread the ball around, Alex Smith force fed the ball to an equally struggling Jeremy Maclin. The end result was a pathetic display in which the Chiefs offense failed to score a single touch down.

I expect Smith to bounce back this week. Depending on your matchups, the KC signal caller could be the right play. The Jets secondary has been awful so far this year. As long as Smith gets back to doing what he knows to do, the Chiefs should be able to move the ball through the air. I also expect there to be openings for him to use his legs. DFS players should probably stay away though.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Ware – Running Back

Projection: 12 carries for 55 yards and 1 TD; 3 catches for 60 yards and 1 TD

Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware is turning into a pretty reliable point scorer in Fantasy Football. Only two NFL running backs have a total of 300+ yards from scrimmage so far, and Ware is one of them. Ware has pulled in 100+ yards in each of the first two games of the season. Not bad for a “backup”.

The real value for Spencer Ware comes in his ability as a receiver. That is what is really dangerous for him this week. The Jets will be able to slow Ware on the ground, but I don’t see an answer for him in the passing game. Expect at least one big play here.

Spencer Ware (304) and DeAngelo Williams (303) are the only players to record over 300 yards from scrimmage through two weeks. pic.twitter.com/hJXKKZHAMW

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 20, 2016

Spencer Ware is building quite a following. As a Fantasy Football option, he may be best utilized as a keeper in your dynasty leagues. As for this year, his production will eventually fall off when Jamaal Charles gets back on the field. Still a solid DFS play this week as your second running back.

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Cairo Santos – Kicker

Projection: 3/3 FGs; 3/3 XPs

Don’t look now, but the Kansas City Chiefs may have the top Fantasy Football kicker in the league. Second year man, Cairo Santos, is crushing the ball right now. The Brazilian is perfect for the season so far, including 3-3 from beyond 40 yards (1-1 from 50+). He currently averages three field goals per game.

The Chiefs are struggling to find the endzone right now, but they are moving the ball pretty well on the whole. That means Santos is going to get plenty of opportunities. Plus, the Chiefs seem to have more confidence in his range this year, which means more longer attempts. He will inevitably miss some, but so far he is a hot horse to ride.

I like Santos to continue his streak this week. The friendly confines of Arrowhead Stadium should give him a little extra confidence in his kicks. There is expected to be some light rain in Kansas City this week, but that shouldn’t be a huge issue. This kicking group seems to be clicking right now. Solid play in leagues or DFS.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Maclin – Wide Receiver

Projection: 7 catches for 95 yards and 1 TD

If you’re looking for a Fantasy Football rebound performance, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is your guy. Maclin is known as a fierce competitor, and he will not let last week’s performance hang over him. Going against a struggling Jets secondary, I expect the Chiefs receiver to have a big day.

Jeremy Maclin put up a stinker last week. Catching just 6 of 15 targets, Maclin only put up 61 yards. That is a horrid performance from one of the most reliable pass catchers in the NFL. There is no way that he isn’t putting that game behind him this week. On the other side of the ball, the Jets have been struggling in the secondary. That includes Darrelle Revis who has been getting beat a lot.

Competitors love doubters! The more the better! RT @ChiefsFanInLA: @jmac___19 Haters everywhere. Use them as fuel or just ignore them.

— Jeremy Maclin (@jmac___19) September 20, 2016

Maclin remains a solid top FLEX or backup WR option in your fantasy leagues. Keep him on your roster and watch your match ups. Playing him as your 3rd WR in DFS is probably a strong play as he should be cost-effective and productive. Good chance that Maclin walks away as the top DFS value player this week.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Who To Sit

Travis Kelce – Tight End

The star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs had a disappointing Fantasy Football week. Unfortunately, I think that continues against the Jets. New York has kept opposing tight ends in check so far, with the exception of one big play. Kelce is better than anyone the Jets have seen this year, but they still match up pretty well.

Jamaal Charles – Running Back