Kansas City Chiefs - Fantasy News

Charcandrick West 2017 Fantasy Projections

by Adam Markowitz

8/11/17

NFL

Kansas City Chiefs

Charcandrick West

When it comes to which Kansas City Chiefs running back is going to have a big week during the 2017 NFL season, your guess is as good as anybody’s.  Head coach Andy Reid is known for changing game plans from week to week, especially with his running backs. Don’t expect this to change this year, as the Chiefs have three guys who could all see significant playing time at the position.

Charcandrick West has shown the ability to have big games throughout his Chiefs career, but he will have many contests where he only sees the ball a handful of times as well. When West is involved, he gives the Chiefs a running back that can hurt you both on the ground as well as a receiver. In last season’s finale against the San Diego Chargers, he had 116 total yards of offense with two receiving touchdowns. Any running back that is playing alongside quarterback Alex Smith has to be ready to catch the ball, as the former Utah signal caller will look for his checkdown receiver a lot.

Why Charcandrick West Will Be A 2017 Fantasy Football Keeper

Spencer Ware runs with a physical style, but he leaves himself susceptible to some huge shots from defenders. He has done a good job of not missing too many games, but he will miss snaps within a game. This will give opportunities to other running backs, and West has shown he has the ability to make plays.

With Jeremy Maclin getting cut in the offseason, the Chiefs will be looking for more guys to step up in the passing game. This will include more receptions from the running backs, and West is the best of the bunch on the depth chart at making plays in the passing game. He has also shown the ability to hold onto the football, as he didn’t fumble one time during the 2016 season.

Kansas City is a team that likes to control the clock, and the Chiefs do a great job of not hurting themselves.  West has proven to the coaching staff that he is capable of getting the carry and a conversion on a big third-down attempt while protecting the football.

Why Charcandrick West Will Be A 2017 Fantasy Football Dud

It is no secret, but Ware is the No. 1 running back heading into the season. What makes West’s value really questionable is that many people think rookie running back Kareem Hunt is going to be the No. 2 back. Hunt was a stud at Toledo, rushing for 4,945 yards during his four collegiate seasons. However, it was Hunt’s improved receiving skills that could put West’s job in question.

After having only 32 catches in his first three seasons, Hunt caught 41 passes last year for the Rockets. The Chiefs traded up to get him in the third round, which is usually a good indication that a team is taking a guy to play immediately. If Hunt reaches his potential, he could easily be the most talented running back on this team.

Add in C.J. Spiller, and there just aren’t enough rushes for everyone to get the ball. Ware is going to be the go-to guy, and in an ideal world for Kansas City, Hunt emerges as the No. 2. If that is the case, it will be very tough for West to get enough touches to provide any value. Only injury to one of the running backs would make West a sneaky good pick up.