The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are two teams going in opposite directions. The Chiefs started the season 1-5, but a four-game winning streak has the team at 5-5 and right in the thick of the AFC Wild Card chase. The Bills, meanwhile, were 3-2, but are now also 5-5. They face off Sunday, with one team looking to continue a hot streak and the other looking to start one.
Fantasy football advice, Week 12: Who to start/sit for Chiefs vs. Bills
Can the Chiefs continue their hot streak? Can the Bills start one?
Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor is dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 11, but is expected to be a full go for Sunday's game. On the Kansas City side, running back Charcandrick West has been dealing with a hamstring injury since last Sunday, while tight end Travis Kelce aggravated his ankle during practice Friday. Both are officially questionable for Sunday, with a chance neither plays.
Sunday’s game between the two teams will be played in Kansas City, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BILLS
Start ‘em: Since coming back from injury, LeSean McCoy looks as strong as any running back in the game. He's averaged 14.8 fantasy points a game in his last five. ... Dan Carpenter has averaged 9.8 fantasy points a game in his last four.
Start ‘em?: With no true shutdown corner on Kansas City, Sammy Watkins appears likely to get looks again this week. ... The Bills' defense has been good-not-great this year.
Sit ‘em: Even with the injury not appearing to be a big concern, the early production of Tyrod Taylor has all but disintegrated of late. Look elsewhere. ... The re-emergence of McCoy has robbed Karlos Williams or his value. He can be benched. ... Charles Clay had 36 fantasy points through Week 4, and has 14 in six games since.
CHIEFS
Start ‘em: In his last four games, Cairo Santos has averaged 12 fantasy points a game. He's been strong. ... The Chiefs' defense has been the league's best over the last six weeks, easily, and draws a struggling Buffalo offense here.
Start ‘em?: What to do with the Kansas City offense, given all the game-time decisions? If Charcandrick West plays, start him. If not, start Spencer Ware. You might use Jeremy Maclin if Travis Kelce is out, but then if Kelce plays Maclin might not get enough targets. Just make sure you check on these situations Monday morning.
Sit ‘em: There are many questions about the Kansas City offense, but there isn't one around the quarterback: Alex Smith, even if all his weapons are active, just doesn't offer much upside.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: LeSean McCoy, Dan Carpenter, Cairo Santos, Kansas City defense
Start if you're desperate: Sammy Watkins, Buffalo defense, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce
Bench: Tyrod Taylor, Karlos Williams, Charles Clay, Alex Smith
