Chiefs Fantasy Outlook: Week Eleven vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Predictions from Week Ten can be found here.  The predicted numbers and the actual numbers for last week can be found at the end of this article.

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In a word, the outlook is bleak. No D-Bowe. Improving but sub-standard O-line. #4 defense in the league. Not good. If the Chiefs explode on the fantasy scene it will be a shock.

The Steelers have yet to allow a 100 yard rusher all year.  The highest single game rushing  total was 76 yards by Cedric Benson in week 3. Pittsburgh has even held the mighty Adrian Peterson to 69 yards, albeit with one touchdown. 

If dreams of no Troy Polamalu have you itching to try your fantasy luck, keep in mind that Polamalu has only played in 6 of the Pittsburgh's 10 games this season. He's been hobbled to boot. The Pittsburgh D is incredible with Polamalu. They are merely great without him.

Bleak.

There were a lot of of injuries last week in the NFL that may force you to consider a Chief. Especially at running back. Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Brian Westbrook and Michael Turner all went down last week. Placing a Chief in any injury roster holes on your starting lineup will probably bring you nothing but heartbreak, but stranger things have happened.

Three Chiefs and a sleeper after the break.

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Jamaal Charles

The performance turned in by Charles last week was a vindication of sorts for many Chiefs fans. Charles finally showed what kind of back we all envisioned he could be when drafted. Given the opportunity on the field.18 carries. 103 yards. It was the 44 yard dash sprung by his blockers in the second level that was the most encouraging. Charles is a home run threat. All he needs is a little space. Space will be at a premium this week though. There's a good chance that Charles gets shut down this week. Start him if you have to, but  keep the expectations low and hope he breaks one.

Jamaal Charles Prediction: 54 yards rushing, 5 receptions, 20 yards receiving, 0 TD

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Chris Chambers

Last week I wasn't sold on Chris Chambers as a fantasy play. I'm still not totally sold, but Bowe's poor judgement has increased Chambers value immensly. There is no longer a true number 1 WR on the Chiefs squad. Chambers has at least had experience in the role as a Dolphin. Chambers still has a lot to learn about the playbook. He's going to have the opportunity to learn on the job. The Steelers seconday has looked suspect at time, but any weaknesses they have are masked by a ferocious pass rush. KC remains number two in the league in sacks allowed. Not a good combo. May not be the week to start Chambers. Might be the week to snatch him off the waiver wire though.

Chris Chambers Prediction: 5 catches 72 yards, 0 TD

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This is the come to earth edition. Long was only targeted 4 times last week. He had two catches and dropped one ball in the first quarter he probably should have caught. His true value probably lies somewhere between 2 catches for 18 yards and 8 catches for 74 yards. The hope is that he realizes fantasy value by becoming a consistent pass catcher with a steady diet of passes thrown his way every game. If Cassel continually looks elsewhere he falls to a number 4 WR with the potential to be a number 2 fantasy WR on weeks when he gets into the endzone. Bowe's absence may be a blessing in disguise for fantasy purposes when it comes to Long. This four week stretch should give fantasy owners a much better read on who Long is, and if he is worth a look in your draft next year.

Lance Long prediction: 5 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD

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KC Fantasy Sleeper

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Bobby Wade

Wade has been a fantasy puzzle all year. He has shown flashes. His numbers have not been spectacular in large part due to the drops. He has been consistently thrown to though. His punt returning value is non-existent. Wade still seemed to have found his way permanently on the field as the de facto KC #2 WR. The next thing you know Chambers is on the team and Bobby is inactive two weeks in a row. Savage's injury and Bowe's suspension have cracked the door though and Wade is on the field again. Bobby's value  this week, as in every week,  will be tied to his ability to find the endzone.

Bobby Wade Prediction: 5 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD

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Mushin's Week 10 Predictions:

-Lance Long (the "Gold Team" prediction)

Lance Long Prediction: 7 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

actual numbers: 2 catches, 18 yards, 0 TD

-Jamaal Charles (the doh! prediction)

Jamaal Charles Prediction: 30 yards rushing, 5 receptions, 40 yards, 0 TD

actual numbers: 103 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 14 yards, 1 TD

-Chris Chambers

Chris Chambers Prediction: 2 catches, 48 yards, 0 TD's

actual numbers: 3 catches, 60 yards

-KC Defense

KC Defense Prediction: 2 Sacks, 1 Int, 1 FF, 0 TD

actual numbers: 2 sacks, 2 Int, 0 FF, 0 TD