A year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos games were playoff-level matchups, with both winning double-digit games in 2013. If Week 1 is any example, though, only one of those teams is shaping up to repeat that performance, as the Broncos won Sunday night, but the Chiefs were beaten handily by the Tennessee Titans.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 2: Chiefs vs. Broncos
A year after both AFC West teams were great teams, only one of them might be in 2014.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The two teams play at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday in Denver, and in accordance with that Week 1 prognosis, most of the fantasy intrigue is on one side of the ball:
Chiefs
Start in every league: Jamaal Charles
Start if you're desperate: Travis Kelce
Bench: Alex Smith, Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, Cairo Santos, Defense/special teams
It was a pretty disastrous Week 1 for Charles, who went as high as No. 1 in fantasy drafts before gaining only 34 yards from scrimmage. Still, there’s a reason he was that No. 1 pick, and even with Kansas City’s offensive line less than it used to be, he’s a must-start.
There were plenty of disappointed fantasy owners after Week 1 when everyone’s favorite sleeper, Kelce, only caught three passes and was only targeted five times. Still, it was a guy in his first career NFL game, and he did go for 49 yards. If you bought in on Kelce as an up-and-comer a few weeks ago, stay on that road.
It’s looking like Smith is unlikely to repeat his relatively-big 2013, even in a game that could be high-scoring. ... Avery was Kansas City’s top offensive player in Week 1, with Bowe suspended, but neither is someone you want to rely on. ... If the Kansas City offense can’t do a lot, Santos can’t kick a lot. ... The Chiefs’ defense would be a dicey play against a regular team, considering the unit’s injuries and subpar performance; against Denver, they’re an obvious stay-away.
Broncos
Start in every league: Peyton Manning, Montee Ball, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Brandon McManus, Defense/special teams
Start if you're desperate: Emmanuel Sanders
Bench: Wes Welker, Andre Caldwell, Cody Latimer
Any explanation needed for Manning, Ball, Thomas, Thomas, McManus, or the Broncos’ defense? Didn’t think so. Moving on.
Sanders is probably a fantasy starter if Welker misses Week 2. If Welker does end up playing, though, Sanders is much less of a sure thing.
Of course, Welker appears very unlikely to play in Week 2, even if his suspension is officially lifted. ... Caldwell and Latimer were non-factors in the Denver offense in Week 1.
