A team I feel that folks are overlooking (1 Viewer)

[Abraham]

Other than you're insistence on misspelling the OC's name, I enjoyed the analysis Sean

I was reading your "overvalue" of Matt Cassel and got movitvated.

I think the fly in the ointment for your analysis is Cassel frankly. I think he's not up to the task and, ergo, the Chiefs will be set to make an impact when (if?) they find a new signal caller.

This. They are a 6-7 team that will lose at least three games because cassrll can't make a play when it matters.

 

[bengalbuck]

I looked at the Chiefs guys a bit because I like their schedule, but I'm worried these guys are going to cancel each other out too much. Thomas Jones is still a good player and he is going to take touches (especially around the goal line) away from Charles. I don't think they are going to run enough that you are going to get good value out of what could become RBBC.

I kind of feel the same way about the passing game. I think McCluster could have a poor man's Percy Harvin type year. They'll throw a lot to the TEs and backs because that's what Weis does. Is there enough leftover for the WRs?

Maybe to make a guy like Chambers a good late rounder and McCluster a potential sleeper, but I don't see Bowe outperforming where he's drafted. And Jamal Charles really scares me. So many young RBs just can't duplicate that big half season and TJ has shown he isn't the type of guy to just take a back seat to a young, highly touted back.

 

[The Jacket]

I think they'll run quite a bit. For all the talent deficits I see, the coaching is top-notch, especially on offense. Former OC as HC, former 3-time-SB-winning OC with HC experience as OC, former OCs as RB coach/asst head coach. My point in saying this is that I think they will see the strength of the team is the running game, and that to win games they'll need to run the football (helping to keep the questionable defense off the field).

I can't convince anyone that Jones won't steal carries from Charles. However, it's not unreasonable for me to think Charles could get 220 carries (20+ more than last year) and Jones 120-140. I don't think they want Cassel slinging it every game.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I appreciate the write-up. That said, I think you are off your rocker.

The surprise team in the AFC West is going to be the Raiders. From a fantasy perspective though, I agree with you that many of the Chiefs' players are flying below the radar.

I totally agree. Oakland is going to surprise some people. KC is tough to love given JCharles' ADP. I do like TJones if you can get him later (say Round 10+)

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I appreciate the write-up. That said, I think you are off your rocker.

you would have said the same thing if MOP had this post last year but replace KC Chiefs with Cincy (finished with a 4-11-1 record in 08); or Atlanta 2 years ago (4-12 to 11-5).I'm just saying!

now replace kc with detroit.......just sayin'

 

[Lord Lucan]

In pure NFL terms (and I'm thinking as much in terms of betting odds as anything), I think both KC and Oakland are under-rated going into this year, partly because both have shown signs of making positive moves, but also because the other two teams in the division have real question marks. San Diego are priced up as prohibitively as they have been every year lately, but only their pass offense was elite last year (32nd-ranked rush offense in terms of yards per carry), yet they look like going into the season with Floyd and Naanee as their starting WRs and possibly without their starting LT too, with a rookie RB who wasn't asked to pass protect too much in college. Their defense doesn't have quite the formidable look of past years either. Denver lost their best WR and have already suffered some very significant injuries and look to be in disarray at this stage of the season. The AFC West looks much the likeliest division to produce a complete turnaround in the balance of power this season.

 

[Fodasme69]

There are so many good articles and threads between the subscriber content and the SP that I find myself just wanting to read most of the time rather than engage or fire up a bunch of threads outside of voter polls which I find useful in getting public opinion on things. I really can't argue against taking one of the consensus top5 RBs, top5 QBs, they all seem to make sense. I know they won't finish as we project them all out but on paper they seem the most logical. So that being the case I find myself looking past that to what will likely be the difference between making a strong run or just having an average team and that's the gold you have to find in later rounds or guys that will way out perform their current ADP. If you can find those type of players it makes the draft feel like a walk in the park. Sure you can't have Chris Johnson because you don't have the #1 pick but you can target other players and simply scoop them up a round early if need be to find the gold.

I have a lot of players I like later but I wanted to talk about an overall team that I was high on last year but perhaps was a year early. I'm hoping that they start to come into their own a little more this season and they have enlisted the help of some really good assistants which we will discuss. I'm talking about the Kansas City Chiefs and I want to go thru their skill position players and why I think so many are missing the boat.

1. Coaching: They hire Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel to help out HC Haley and I think the tone has been set. If Haley doesn't get them playing better they probably will make Weiss the HC if all else fails. It will push Haley who could feel a little intimidated with that type pf coaching behind him. He certainly is going to do the best job that he is capable of meaning these 2 assistants are going to push him to be a better HC, that's my opinion but we are going to see the best Haley has to offer.

I'm gonna start with Crennel and move to Weiss in a second. Romeo is a great coach and a master of the 3-4. He did it very well in New England and both he and Weiss have 3 rings from their days in New England. The addition of Eric Berry is going to make this defense better, a lot better. They spent some big picks along that DL, and I think Romeo will coach them up and get the most out of them. A stronger defense is going to help the offense out a lot and it's something you should always think about IMO...if the defense can't get off the field then your players on the offense are sitting on the sidelines and it limits their effectiveness and number of offensive snaps which is not good.

Something a good friend mentioned to me and I wanted to share was that Charlie Weiss has an interesting track record. Yes he helps offenses out but one of the key things he does is make WRs a lot better. Look what he did in New England with very little talent to work with. Was Deion Branch ever really that good? Troy Brown, David Patten, not really HoF type WRs but he got the most out of them. He did the same thing in

 

[CentralPA]

Looking like a genius so far MoP

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

This is a great post.

KC deserves some attention and they deserve to be taken seriously.

Indy's going to have a lot to say about the validity of this post.

KC can run the ball, and they can play some good defense and special teams, but can they score on offense week in, week out?

Isn't Haley off the same offensive coaching tree as Payton via Parcells?

Personally I think Cassell's the weak link here. If he starts showing up consistently and they find another WR besides Bowe and Dex, then they have legit shot this year.

 

[dmac37]

Great job MOP

As the year goes on you will need to add one more:

7. McCluster- I think coming off the bye and moving forward McCluster becomes more of a factor on offense, sick skills!

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Let's curb the enthusiasm, still a lot of time for this to go in the tank. I'm happy for the KC fans and I think the biggest part of this write up that was true was the addition of Both Charlie Weiss and Romeo C, those 2 hires have had a major impact on the team.

Someone said to add McCluster, how about Tony Moeaki? That guy is having a lot of success and I am impressed with his play both receiving and blocking to spring Jones and Charles loose.

 

[Sabertooth]

They are the only undefeated team left right?

 

[The Jacket]

Both lines are playing better than I ever imagined. They can run on anyone and stop the run.

Their new RG, Lilja, started for the Colts in the Super Bowl. Based on how he's playing the Colts made a big mistake letting him go (rumored to be medical but he looks a-OK to me). I'm sure he'll be extra-motivated to come out and play well on Sunday.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Both lines are playing better than I ever imagined. They can run on anyone and stop the run. Their new RG, Lilja, started for the Colts in the Super Bowl. Based on how he's playing the Colts made a big mistake letting him go (rumored to be medical but he looks a-OK to me). I'm sure he'll be extra-motivated to come out and play well on Sunday.

One thing I will add regarding the measuring stick @ Indy. KC has NEVER won @ Indy since they moved there. The games have been close (13-10 in 2007), but the last time KC beat the Colts at home was 1980!I am most anxious to see who Flowers covers. Wayne vs. BF would be a great show. Romeo won't have Ty Law to beat Manning this time, but Flowers is becoming a great CB.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

KC will need to weather the storm early this week so that they can run the ball.....if they get down quick it could be a long day as the team isn't really built for shootouts.......the first quarter will be huge......

 

[jurb26]

KC is coming off a bye week and Indy is coming off a heart breaking loss to Jack. I always love NFL teams coming off a bye but the game is in Indy and the Colts are going to be extremely motivated now that they are 0-2 in divisional play. What's the line on this game right now?

 

[Harrassment Panda]

Gray's. Sports. Almanac.

 

[UnderDawgs]

how about Tony Moeaki? That guy is having a lot of success and I am impressed with his play both receiving and blocking to spring Jones and Charles loose.

That's who I'm rolling with this week.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

KC is coming off a bye week and Indy is coming off a heart breaking loss to Jack. I always love NFL teams coming off a bye but the game is in Indy and the Colts are going to be extremely motivated now that they are 0-2 in divisional play. What's the line on this game right now?

Colts -8. Seems high, but not high enough for me. Colts win this by 2 TDs minimum.

 

[jurb26]

KC is coming off a bye week and Indy is coming off a heart breaking loss to Jack. I always love NFL teams coming off a bye but the game is in Indy and the Colts are going to be extremely motivated now that they are 0-2 in divisional play. What's the line on this game right now?

Colts -8. Seems high, but not high enough for me. Colts win this by 2 TDs minimum.

That's easy money IMO. KC runs the ball well and Indy can't stop the run. That alone should keep this game bellow that 8 points. Indy should win the game but I can't see it happening by 8 or more. Who knows, maybe KC pulls this one out. Teams coming off of byes are dangerous.

 

[gandalas]

Just remember...Denver started the season 6-0 last year...

 

[Northbound Train]

 

[EBF]

Paper tiger, just like Denver last year.

You don't win anything in the NFL without a good QB. The Chiefs don't have one.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I think this team will soon collapse...but for now they're 3-0. Kudos to you , MoP.

 

[tdhartis]

I DISAGREE 110% I would MUCH rather have Leinart then Cassel. I would be willing to bet you a next year subscription (FBG) that ML is a better QB then Cassel thie year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

KC is coming off a bye week and Indy is coming off a heart breaking loss to Jack. I always love NFL teams coming off a bye but the game is in Indy and the Colts are going to be extremely motivated now that they are 0-2 in divisional play. What's the line on this game right now?

Opened at 7.5 but moving to Indy by 9 right now Jurb.

 

[Ignoratio Elenchi]

Looking like a genius so far MoP

MOP's articles are one of the biggest reasons I buy my FBG subscription every year.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Still looking solid MOP! A couple hiccups on the road, but they have really righted the ship.

 

[TenTimes]

I appreciate the write-up. That said, I think you are off your rocker.

Double oops. Great call MoP. Saw a Chiefs game for the first time this weekend when JC ran all over the Seahawks. Simply amazing, he'd go up the middle and get at least 6 when it looked like nothing was there, and always fall forward. Talent to spare. Bowe's huge game seemed a fluke due to Seattle deciding that not covering him would be a good idea (remember that Pete Carroll left him at #2 all those years at USC and basically dared Cassell to beat him in this game). I'd day Seattle simply did not scheme to stop the pass, but Bowe has been a monster for weeks so it probably wouldn't have mattered anyway if he were double covered.

 

[fsufan]

Looking like a genius so far MoP

MOP's articles are one of the biggest reasons I buy my FBG subscription every year.

the SP is free

 

[ufshowboat]

Great work MOP.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

good call, they will play well enough to finish 2nd to SD though. (I hope)

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Dwayne Bowe has 14 Touchdowns in 11 games, and he really didn't get going till Week 6. He has 13 TDs in the last 7 weeks, 7 in the last 3 games. 43-28-48 are his numbers in PPR the last 3 weeks...my goodness.

Matt Cassell is #8 in my league. This guy was put thru the ringer on this board. He has 18 TDs in his last 7 games, 10 in the last 3 weeks including 45-21-38 point performances over that stretch.

Charles is #6 in my leagues-PPR, and IMO he could be top3 if he got the ball a little more. 1,380 yds rush/rec...could possibly hit 2,000 combined but only 4TDs. 27-15-23-16-23 the last 5 weeks, pretty consistent.

Plenty of time for KC to implode and SD is coming on fast here at the end as usual. I think KC has me expectations and their Big 3 on offense has delivered to this point

 

[Jason Wood]

I was thinking about this very thread over the weekend. Good call MOP, you definitely made a case here on a non-consensus call and it's worked out beautifully.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Big props MOP.....

KC has also had one of the most friendly fantasy football schedules as well to help with this good run. So far they have played these teams:

Chargers, Browns, 49ers, Colts, Texans, Jags, Bills, Raiders, Broncos, Cardinals, Seahawks.

In terms of points per game given up here is how the defenses they have played have faired.

Chargers (22nd good defense), Browns (21st), 49ers (16th), Colts (15th), Texans (7th), Jags (5th), Bills (4th), Raiders (14th), Broncos (1), Cardinals (2), Seahawks (10).

Here is the teams they have faced in terms of yardage given up per game.

Chargers (32), Browns (11th), 49ers (21st), Colts (16th), Texans (5th), Jags (8), Bills (7th), Jags (8th), Raiders (20th), Broncos (6th), Cardinals (4th), Seahawks (3rd)

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Big props MOP.....KC has also had one of the most friendly fantasy football schedules as well to help with this good run. So far they have played these teams:Chargers, Browns, 49ers, Colts, Texans, Jags, Bills, Raiders, Broncos, Cardinals, Seahawks.In terms of points per game given up here is how the defenses they have played have faired.Chargers (22nd good defense), Browns (21st), 49ers (16th), Colts (15th), Texans (7th), Jags (5th), Bills (4th), Raiders (14th), Broncos (1), Cardinals (2), Seahawks (10).Here is the teams they have faced in terms of yardage given up per game.Chargers (32), Browns (11th), 49ers (21st), Colts (16th), Texans (5th), Jags (8), Bills (7th), Jags (8th), Raiders (20th), Broncos (6th), Cardinals (4th), Seahawks (3rd)

And I covered that in the OP in fact I just about gave the exact week they would take off (Week 6). I might retire after this thread, it will be nothing but downhill from here

 

[Fodasme69]

Big props MOP.....KC has also had one of the most friendly fantasy football schedules as well to help with this good run. So far they have played these teams:Chargers, Browns, 49ers, Colts, Texans, Jags, Bills, Raiders, Broncos, Cardinals, Seahawks.In terms of points per game given up here is how the defenses they have played have faired.Chargers (22nd good defense), Browns (21st), 49ers (16th), Colts (15th), Texans (7th), Jags (5th), Bills (4th), Raiders (14th), Broncos (1), Cardinals (2), Seahawks (10).Here is the teams they have faced in terms of yardage given up per game.Chargers (32), Browns (11th), 49ers (21st), Colts (16th), Texans (5th), Jags (8), Bills (7th), Jags (8th), Raiders (20th), Broncos (6th), Cardinals (4th), Seahawks (3rd)

And I covered that in the OP in fact I just about gave the exact week they would take off (Week 6). I might retire after this thread, it will be nothing but downhill from here

Division Champ and the 3 seed!

 

[gianmarco]

Gotta give some props on this call. Well done, staffie.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Yep, good call. I hate the Chiefs, but they have surprised me this year, and deserve kudos for having the year that they have had.

As for their playoff hopes, I can't imagine them winning a game on the road at NE or Pittsburgh (since they have not been a good road team this year), but they will be tough to beat at home in the opening round.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Cassel is not good period. This team is not good period. The Lions, Rams have a better chance of turning the corner. Well, maybe not the Rams.

IF your team could trade Leinart for Cassel right now they would be heavy favorite for NFC West

I DISAGREE 110% I would MUCH rather have Leinart then Cassel. I would be willing to bet you a next year subscription (FBG) that ML is a better QB then Cassel thie year.

Really just wanted to give MoP props for his called shot, but I kinda had to bump this particular post MoP, well done.-QG

 

[jackdubl]

Bravo!

 

[jah2707]

amazing the turn arround this team has had. Good job MoP.

Jets at home will be a great game. First playoff win since??? 97 I think.

 

[Reaper]

You were pretty right on with the Dolphins as well. I disagreed with that one..

 

[dickey moe]

Lots of FBG "experts" have plenty of crow to eat in here.

Nice job, MOP.

 

[QuizGuy66]

In a different division, I might think you were crazy, but San Diego seems a bit iffy and beyond them it's a crap-shoot so why not give the Chiefs a little speculative love? The question I have is how do they look on the O-line and D-line? One reason the Bengals improved so much last year was the surprising ability of the O-line to come together and play cohesively, even in the face of many changes and with a draft pick that was more interested in eating waffles than administering pancakes. If they are to make the move up, that's where it's gotta start. The skill position guys won't be able to break out without the line coming together. for the thoughtful analysis.-QG

The answer to my question above is yes, the o-line and d-line both improved considerably:2009: 45 sacks allowed (27th)2010: 25 sacks allowed through 15 games (t-5th). Ranking may improve if ATL or NO sack the heck out of each other tonight.2009: 22 sacks by their defense (31st)2010: 35 sacks by their defense through 15 games (11th)-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

amazing the turn arround this team has had. Good job MoP.Jets at home will be a great game. First playoff win since??? 97 I think.

Now it's not 100% they'll play the Jets. Still could be the Ratbirds or even, perhaps, MoP's team.-QG

 

[swampdog]

Nice call MOP, but I took your advice, and picked up Bowe (WR3, and I had him and Cassel last year so no surprise for me). JC went very early in our draft (RB2). I am going "wire to wire" in my $5k money pool.

Big thanks MOP.

Swamp

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Fun read. Nice job, MOP. As always.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

Nice call.

 

[FUBAR]

Nice job MoP

I pretty much agree with you that the Chiefs are being overlooked and IMO will challenge SD and Denver for the division, none will make it far (probably) in the playoffs but a division title would be huge in KC right now.I've been targeting Cassel and Chambers in drafts, love the value they represent.

50% ain't bad.