The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the NFL’s most complete teams in 2016. They finished with a 12-4 record and in first place in the AFC West. The Chiefs were solid on offense and defensively were one of the best. One of the reasons the Chiefs were so dominant last year was the help of their special teams play. Below is the Chiefs 2016 fantasy football recap.
Kansas City Chiefs 2016 Fantasy Football Recap
Quarterback
Over the past few seasons the Chiefs have had solid quarterback play from what many have labeled as a game manager in veteran Alex Smith. Last season, Smith threw for 3,502 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 134 yards in five touchdowns. He finished the season as the 22nd ranked quarterback in fantasy with 223 fantasy points. Smith averaged just under 15 fantasy points per game last season. With the depth at quarterback Smith is not much more than a bye week fill-in next season.
Running Back
Due to injuries in their backfield the Chiefs have used a running back by committee over the last few seasons. In 2016, running back Spencer Ware got the majority of the touches. He finished the season with 1,368 total yards and five touchdowns. He was the 16th ranked running back in fantasy. Ware finished the season with 160 fantasy points and averaged around ten fantasy points per game. There is some competition for touches in the Chiefs backfield but if Ware is the main running back for the Chiefs he is a solid RB2 next season. If Ware remains the number one back for the Chiefs he is worth a fourth or fifth round pick in fantasy draft next season.
Wide Receiver
The Chiefs leading receiver last year was rookie sensation Tyreek Hill. Hill was one of the most explosive players in 2016. He finished the season as the 11th ranked wide receiver in fantasy. Hill had 61 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 267 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Hill finished with 156 fantasy points and averaged ten fantasy points per game last season. The next leading wide receiver for the Chiefs was veteran Jeremy Maclin. He had 44 receptions for 536 yards and only two touchdowns. Maclin totaled 65 fantasy points but dealt with injuries all through out the season. In the off-season he signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He is worth a late round pick in drafts next season.
Tight End
The Chiefs have one of the best tight ends in the NFL and in fantasy with Travis Kelce on the roster. He had 85 receptions for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns. Kelce finished with 138 fantasy points, averaging eight and a half points per game. Kelce is one of the best tight ends in fantasy and is worth a fourth or fifth round pick in next season’s drafts.
Kicker
Handling the kicking duties for the Chiefs last season was Cairo Santos. He made 31 of 35 field goals and 36 extra points. He totaled 135 fantasy points and averaged eight fantasy points per game per game. Santos finished as the eighth ranked kicker in fantasy and is worth a late round pick next season.
Defense
The Chiefs defense and special teams is one of the best in the NFL and in fantasy. Last season they totaled 140 fantasy points and averaged around nine fantasy points per game. They finished as the fourth ranked defense in fantasy largely due to their eight touchdowns. They are a solid defense for fantasy owners and are worth a late round pick in drafts.
The Kansas City Chiefs are a solid team. They need more depth and talent at their wide receiver position. With their defense and running the ball the Chiefs have a solid chance at repeating their 2016 success. In regards to fantasy, owners need to keep an eye on the running back situation and who wins the starting job.
