Jamaal Charles turned the fantasy football landscape upside down after suffering a torn ACL and effectively ending his season. From there, fantasy owners had to decide which of the Chiefs running backs to plug into their lineups -- Charcandrick West or Knile Davis.
Fantasy start/sit advice, Week 6: Knile Davis
The Chiefs will need plenty of help on offense now that Jamaal Charles is out for the season. We break down the fantasy implications of Knile Davis.
Prior to 2015, Davis had been known to be Charles’ premier handcuff, garnering enough usage to be a consistent RB1/RB2 in fantasy. This isn’t as cut and dry anymore, since West has seen more of the playing field all season, including in Week 5 after Charles exited the game. As a result, Davis, despite not fitting the traditional mold of a change-of-pace back, will likely assume that role.
Fantasy impact: Davis is a self-described “volume runner,” according to a Kansas City Star report, which means Davis is most effective when he gets into a rhythm. This is evidenced by modest numbers posted when spelling Charles, and more efficient ones when he has taken lead duties throughout his career.
When the Chiefs take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, there is too much uncertainty surrounding Davis' usage and his effectiveness with West clearly being in the fold.
It’s plausible that Davis boosts fantasy lineups across the board as the season goes on, but Week 6 may be too early to put him into lineups with any confidence. Davis remains a low-end flex play, but is worth an add in leagues of all formats.
