Chiefs Fantasy Football: Your 2023 Draft Guide
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another season of gridiron glory. Today, we're diving headfirst into the Kansas City Chiefs, your go-to team for high-flying offense and thrilling gameplay. So, grab your red and gold jerseys, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and chiefs fantasy football.
Patrick Mahomes: The Engine That Keeps on Giving
Kicking off our Chiefs fantasy football guide is none other than the reigning Super Bowl champ and MVP, Patrick Mahomes.
The 2022 season saw Mahomes throw for 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories. Despite a slow start, he finished the year as the No. 1 fantasy quarterback, thanks to his ridiculous 31.6 fantasy points per game average over the final five weeks.
With a new contract and a chip on his shoulder, Mahomes is poised for another monster season. His elite arm talent and ability to extend plays make him a top-tier QB1 in any fantasy format. Draft him early, and watch the points pile up.
The Wide Receiver Wunderkinds
The Chiefs' receiving corps is as deep as it is talented. Let's break down the key players:
Travis Kelce: The Tight End Titan
Kelce is more than just a tight end; he's a wide receiver in a tight end's body. In 2022, he caught 110 passes for 1,338 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing as the TE1 in fantasy.
With Mahomes targeting him 153 times last season, expect Kelce to remain a top-5 tight end in 2023. Draft him as a TE1 with confidence.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: The Slot Machine
Smith-Schuster may not have lived up to expectations in his first year with the Chiefs, but he's still a proven commodity in fantasy. He finished 2022 with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns, good for WR25 in fantasy.
With Mahomes' trust and a full offseason in the Chiefs' system, expect JuJu to bounce back in 2023. Draft him as a solid WR3 with WR2 upside.
Skyy Moore: The Rookie Sensation
The Chiefs' second-round pick in 2022, Moore burst onto the scene with 61 receptions for 748 yards and five touchdowns in just 12 games. He finished the year as the WR36 in fantasy.
With Mecole Hardman likely to leave in free agency, Moore is set to take on a bigger role in 2023. Draft him as a high-upside WR4 with WR3 potential.
The Running Back Rotation
The Chiefs' backfield is a bit murkier, but there's still fantasy gold to be found.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The Enigma
CEH had a disappointing 2022, rushing for just 559 yards and three touchdowns while catching 30 passes for 213 yards and a score. He finished as the RB32 in fantasy.
Despite his struggles, CEH is still just 23 years old and has elite receiving skills for a running back. If he can secure the starting job, he's worth drafting as a high-risk, high-reward RB3.
Jerick McKinnon: The Veteran Steal
McKinnon may be 30, but he's coming off a career year in Kansas City. He rushed for 572 yards and five touchdowns while catching 47 passes for 367 yards and three more scores, finishing as the RB16 in fantasy.
With CEH's future uncertain, McKinnon could enter 2023 as the lead back. Draft him as a safe RB3 with RB2 potential.
The Defense and Special Teams
The Chiefs' defense finished 2022 as a top-10 unit in fantasy, thanks to their 17 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. They also scored three defensive touchdowns, which can be the difference between winning and losing in fantasy.
With a healthy Chris Jones and a full offseason to gel, the Chiefs' D/ST is worth drafting as a low-end starter in 2023.
As for special teams, Harrison Butker remains one of the league's most reliable kickers. Draft him as a low-end starter at the position.
Draft Strategy
When drafting Chiefs players, remember that Mahomes, Kelce, and Smith-Schuster should be your priorities. After that, it's a matter of waiting for value at running back. If CEH or McKinnon falls to you, great. If not, wait for Moore or another wide receiver to fill out your roster.
And there you have it, folks! Your comprehensive guide to the Chiefs in fantasy football. With Mahomes and company leading the way, it's sure to be another exciting season in Kansas City. Until next time, happy drafting!