Kansas City Chiefs News

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Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton Exits Sunday's Loss in Concussion Protocol

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) exited Sunday's loss to the Chargers in the concussion protocol. The wideout sustained this injury in the final frame after catching a 21-yard strike from Patrick Mahomes. Thornton finished the game with two catches on three targets for 47 yards. His yardage total trailed just Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce. With Marquise Brown unable to suit up due to personal reasons, Thornton saw a larger role. Managers should monitor his status leading up to their Week 16 matchup against the Titans. If he is unable to play, JuJu Smith-Schuster would likely see an increase in snaps but would not carry much fantasy value as their QB, Patrick Mahomes, exited this contest with a knee injury and is alos in danger of sitting out next week.

20 minutes ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Slated for MRI Following Knee Injury

Head coach Andy Reid reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) will undergo an MRI on his injured left knee. Mahomes exited Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers late in the fourth quarter after landing awkwardly on his left knee. It's never good news when an athlete suffers a non-contact injury, leaving questions about the former Texas Tech Red Raider's status for the remainder of the season. For what it's worth, Reid confirmed what most of us watching already knew, that the injury "didn't look good." Journeyman signal-caller Gardner Minshew worked in Mahomes' stead for the remainder of Week 15's outing, and projects to be the team's solution under center if the latter is forced to miss more time moving forward. Fantasy managers can expect an update on the 30-year-old within the next 24 hours.

1 hour ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Helped To Locker Room Following Knee Injury

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an apparent knee injury late in the team's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The three-time Super Bowl winner was replaced by Gardner Minshew on the Chiefs' final possession after taking a hit while attempting a pass. Mahomes did not return to the game and was seen being helped to the Kansas City locker room by members of the training staff. The Chiefs were mathematically eliminated from the NFL playoffs with the loss, marking the first time in Mahomes' career that he's failed to qualify for the postseason.

1 hour ago

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Being Checked For Concussion

The Kansas City Chiefs said wide receiver Xavier Worthy (head) is being evaluated for a possible concussion during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The second-year receiver did not have a catch on one target at the time of his exit. Already on the verge of missing the playoffs, the defending AFC Champions likely will have to run the table to keep their slim odds alive. If Worthy were to miss time, the Chiefs likely would lean into a familiar cast of characters, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquise Brown, and Tyquan Thornton behind No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice.

4 hours ago

Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton in line for More Opportunities in Week 15 with Hollywood out

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton hasn't played a significant role in the offense since the return of Rashee Rice in Week 7, playing 24.1% of the snaps and catching four of nine targets for 119 yards over that time. The speedy wideout should see an uptick in snaps in Week 15's divisional game against the Los Angeles Chargers with Marquise Brown (personal) ruled out. The former New England Patriot was dynamic in the first five games of the season, seeing regular playing time, averaging 20.9 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns on 13 catches. Thornton faces a challenging matchup on Sunday as the Chargers have allowed the fewest PPR points per game against wide receivers this season. He profiles as a boom-or-bust flex option in deeper leagues.

Yesterday

Harrison Butker • K • Chiefs

Harrison Butker Tough To Trust In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed one of his two field goal attempts in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. His miss in Week 14 was his fourth missed field goal of the season and ruined his field goal streak that dated back to September 28 against the Baltimore Ravens. Butker was not a top-12 kicker over the course of the fantasy season, and he's not ranked as one this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. In a divisional matchup that is not predicted to be a high-scoring affair, Butker is ranked K18 in our RotoBaller rankings this week. Week 15 is the first week of the fantasy playoffs for most leagues, and Butker may not be the kicker to lean on if you're looking for upside this week.

2 days ago

Travis Kelce • TE • Chiefs

Travis Kelce With A Difficult Matchup In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was essentially eliminated from last week's contest against the Houston Texans. Kelce was held to one catch for eight yards in the 10-20 loss to Houston. The veteran tight end was a non-factor, finishing sixth on the team in receiving yardage. Week 14 was the first time this season that Kelce finished without multiple catches, so it can only go up from here, but he does face a difficult matchup in Week 15. Kelce will take on the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. The Chiefs need to win the rest of their games this season if they have any chance of making the playoffs, and Kelce should be heavily involved in making that happen. Kelce is ranked TE7 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a mid-range TE1 with another difficult matchup this week.

2 days ago

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Could Struggle Against Chargers In Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught three passes for 55 yards to lead the team in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The Texans focused their defensive attention on Rashee Rice, which allowed Worthy to emerge with the most receiving yards on the team in Week 14. Worthy has quietly strung together three games with at least three catches and 55 yards, giving him a serviceable fantasy floor, albeit without much of a ceiling. The speedy wideout has only topped 70 yards once this season and has one receiving touchdown in 10 games. Things may not get easier as Worthy faces the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making it a tough spot for Worthy to succeed. Fellow receiver Marquise Brown has already been ruled out for this week's contest, which could open up more opportunities for Worthy, but the matchup is difficult nonetheless. Worthy is ranked WR45 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in the first week of the fantasy playoffs.

2 days ago

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice Without An Injury Designation For Matchup Against Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was held in check by the Houston Texans in last week's loss. The Chiefs WR1 caught four passes for 34 yards, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage. Despite his lackluster performance, Rice still finished with a team-high eight targets, demonstrating the team's determination to keep him involved. The 26-year-old may once again struggle to find success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the most difficult matchups at the position. Rice has been the team's focal point on offense since his return, so he should continue to be heavily involved despite the matchup. Rice was also listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury this week, but was a full participant in every practice and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end WR1 option again this week despite his recent struggles.

2 days ago

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Earning More Touches Heading Into Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled nine carries for 30 yards in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. In his second game back from injury, Pacheco's opportunities ticked up closer to Kareem Hunt, who handled 12 carries in the contest. Pacheco looked like the best back in the backfield before his knee injury, so the team may prefer to lean on him more as he gets healthier. Pacheco will have a chance to surpass Hunt this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, meaning that it should not be a difficult matchup for Pacheco. That said, splitting carries with Hunt in a divisional matchup could be a difficult situation to succeed in. Pacheco is ranked RB48 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a difficult player to trust until he shows more upside.

2 days ago

Kareem Hunt • RB • Chiefs

Kareem Hunt Loosening Grip On Backfield Heading Into Week 15

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 12 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. The veteran back once again found the endzone, but was inefficient with his opportunities. Hunt averaged 2.5 yards per carry and failed to bring in his only target of the contest. Hunt has been the unquestioned lead back in the absence of Isiah Pacheco and retained that role in Pacheco's first game back from injury in Week 13, but things shifted last. Hunt had 12 carries for 30 yards, and Pacheco had nine carries for 30 yards (3.3 yards per carry). Pacheco's opportunities ticked up in his second week back from injury, putting Hunt's grip on the backfield in jeopardy. That said, Hunt should remain the back most likely to score a touchdown given the team's trust in him for goal-line chances. Hunt will have to fend off Pacheco for opportunities while taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so it should not be a difficult matchup. Splitting touches with Pacheco in a game with a 40.5 O/U may lead to a lower ceiling for both players. Hunt is ranked RB31 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option for this contest in the fantasy playoffs.

2 days ago

Patrick Mahomes • QB • Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes Off The Injury Report, Ready For Pivotal Divisional Matchup

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is coming off his worst game of the season in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. Mahomes completed 14 of 33 pass attempts (42%) for 160 yards and three interceptions. Despite his ineffectiveness through the air, Mahomes was the team's leading rusher with 59 yards on the ground. The Kansas City Chiefs now sit at 6-7 with an 11% chance of making the playoffs, which hinges on them winning out the rest of the season. The Chiefs superstar will have to pull off a miracle to bring the team back from the brink of elimination, and he will have to start with the Los Angeles Chargers this week. The Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, which means another difficult matchup for Mahomes this week. Mahomes was also listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but he practiced all week fully and does not have an injury designation for the game. Mahomes is ranked QB10 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a low-end QB1 in a make-or-break game.

2 days ago

Marquise Brown • WR • Chiefs

Marquise Brown Ruled Out vs Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (personal) will not play in Sunday's divisional matchup with the Chargers. Brown did not participate in Wednesday's practice, logged a limited participation on Thursday, and was not spotted during Friday's media access portion. He has now been ruled out for non-injury personal reasons. Since a Week 1 surprise outing that saw him targeted 14 times with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy injured early, Brown has been largely irrelevant in most fantasy formats. Since Rice's return from suspension in Week 7, Brown has topped 40 receiving yards only once, while averaging 1.7 receptions per game. An unrestricted free agent after this season, he still holds some dynasty value, but he no longer needs to be rostered for redraft playoffs.

2 days ago

Harrison Butker • K • Chiefs

Harrison Butker Outside Top 12 Kickers For Week 14

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Houston Texans in Week 14. Butker made all nine of his field goal attempts from Weeks 10 -12, but did not get an opportunity to extend that streak in Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. Butker did not record a single field goal attempt on Thanksgiving, but he was perfect on his four extra-point attempts. The Chiefs kicker has improved his accuracy over the past few weeks, and he will need it if called upon against a tough Houston defense. If Kansas City has drives halted by the Texans, there could be field goal opportunities for Butker. That said, if the Chiefs do not drive into field goal range, kicking duties could be handed over to the punter. Butker is ranked K15 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a lower-end option this week.

Dec 6

Travis Kelce • TE • Chiefs

Travis Kelce Remains Top TE Option Despite Difficult Matchup In Week 14

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will have his hands full against the Houston Texans in Week 14. Kelce caught five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the loss, the veteran tight end put forth an excellent fantasy performance, and he should be relied upon to do the same against Houston this week. The Texans defense has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, but Kelce is no average tight end, and his usage in the Kansas City offense sets him apart. Kelce has at least six targets in four of his last five games, with three touchdowns in that span. Kelce is ranked TE4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a top-end option at the position once again.

Dec 6

Marquise Brown • WR • Chiefs

Marquise Brown Needs A Touchdown To Be Viable In Week 14

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown caught two passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in last week's 28-31 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Despite his modest stat line, Brown found the endzone to salvage his fantasy day. The veteran receiver has found pay dirt five times this season, meaning that Patrick Mahomes can trust him when the field shrinks. Brown will likely have to find the endzone again to be viable against Houston in Week 14. The Texans have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, meaning they are among the toughest matchups for the position. Brown is ranked WR60 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex play in Week 14.

Dec 6

Xavier Worthy • WR • Chiefs

Xavier Worthy Tough To Trust With Difficult Matchup In Week 14

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy has often taken a backseat to Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce this season, but this week, he will also have to contend with one of the toughest defenses in the league. Worthy caught four passes for 61 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards in last week's Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The speedy wideout finished second on the team in receiving yardage, but it should be tougher sledding this week against Houston. The Texans defense has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, which does not bode well for Worthy, given his lower target share. Worthy is ranked WR40 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deeper league flex option in Week 14.

Dec 6

Rashee Rice • WR • Chiefs

Rashee Rice Should Be Leaned On In Tough Week 14 Matchup

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-31 loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving. Rice has been the focal point of Kansas City's offense since his return from suspension and has been virtually matchup-proof outside of a down game against Denver, where he caught six passes for 38 yards. The Broncos made it a point to slow down Rice, and the same treatment could be coming his way in Week 14 against a tough Houston defense. The Texans have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Despite the matchup, Rice should still be given a heavy dose of targets in what could be a must-win game for Kansas City. Rice was also dealing with a hamstring injury this week, but practiced in full Wednesday through Friday, so he has no injury designation for this week's matchup. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a must-start option despite facing one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.

Dec 6

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco Should Increase Workload Against Texans

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco only handled three carries for 16 yards in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he should handle more work this week. The 26-year-old returned from his knee injury in Week 13, which explains his light workload, but his playing time should increase against the tough Houston defense in Week 14. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making it a tough spot for Pacheco amid a split backfield. Pacheco also popped up on the injury report with a knee injury, but was a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for the weekend. The second-year back was pulling away with the lead role before his injury, so the split could lean in his direction eventually, but it is difficult to say when that might be. Pacheco is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a tough player to start this week.

Dec 6

Kareem Hunt • RB • Chiefs

Kareem Hunt Likely To Lead Backfield Again In Tough Matchup

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt should once again lead the backfield as the Chiefs face the Houston Texans on Sunday night. Hunt led the way with 14 carries for 58 yards and one catch for 22 yards in the 28-31 loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving. Last week's contest was Isiah Pacheco's first game back from injury, so his workload was light, but Hunt should continue getting the majority of work even with Pacheco healthy. The Chiefs have leaned on Hunt as their most trusted runner, and he will need to prove worthy of the role if Kansas City wants to beat the tough Houston defense. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the toughest matchups at the position. Hunt is ranked RB21 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a viable RB2 option this week.

Dec 6

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