The 2007 season was supposed to be a year of new beginnings for the Kansas City Chiefs. For the first time in almost a decade, they were going to be without quarterback Trent Green and instead turned to lifelong backup Damon Huard to lead the offense. However, before the season even started the Chiefs were forced to deal with running back Larry Johnson holding out of training camp for more money, which led to abundance of media interest and far from needed pressure on a struggling franchise. Despite the emergence of rookie Dwayne Bowe (129 fantasy points), nothing went right for the Chiefs on the offensive side of the football. Johnson, who was drafted in the first round of many fantasy football leagues, missed a good portion of the season with a bummed foot and had a measly 92 fantasy football points to show for a lost season. The quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle and Huard, combined for just 17 touchdown passes against 19 interceptions and it was so bad the Chiefs used 3 different kickers in a 16 game season.
With inconsistency at the quarterback position, an aging running back and the loss of their defensive leader, just how much value can this offensive unit have in 2008?
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Key Departures
Jared Allen (DL) – The loss of Allen not only hinders the production of an already mediocre defense, it also could lead to fewer opportunities for a close to non-existent Chiefs offense. Allen led all NFL defenders with 15.5 sacks in 2007, was the catalyst of the Chiefs defense and will be tough to replace. Now a member of an already stout Minnesota Vikings defense, Allen could have a career year in the “Twinkie Dome”.
Sammie Parker (WR) – This move is far from fantasy football relevant but we wanted to make it noted that Parker has finished his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is now a member of the Denver Broncos and fighting for a roster spot.
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Key Additions
Devard Darling (WR) – The Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff is mind-boggled by the fact that the only offseason move the Chiefs made to address their wide receiver issues was the signing of Devard Darling. While a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Darling was nothing more than a third wide receiver in a bad offense. In a career year, Darling finished 2007 with 18 receptions for 326 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Darling never has been a cutting edge receiver during his career, and we don’t think a change of uniform will help his cause. In simple words, stay away from him.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball
Brodie Croyle (QB) – Before we even begin to breakdown Croyle‘s 2008 season, we want to make one thing clear, stay away from him come draft day. Even if you are in a league that has 16 owners and starts two quarterbacks, there might be a better option for your fantasy football squad. With this being his first season as the official starter, Croyle (1,227 passing yards, 6 TD’s, 6 INT’s. 56.7 COMP %) has a lot to prove, however, if his 2007 stats are any indication of his growth, we might be seeing Damon Huard by midseason.
Damon Huard (QB) – Speaking of Huard, he was given every chance to be the primary quarterback in Kansas City but he failed miserably throughout the process. In 11 games, he threw more interceptions than touchdowns (11 TD’s to 13 INT’s) and also fumbled the football three times. The only bright spot was that he completed 62 % of his passes. In 2008 Huard will take a backseat to Brodie Croyle but we predict him to see some action by season’s end. Still, unless a miracle takes place in Kansas City, Huard is far from fantasy football worthy.
Larry Johnson (RB) – When healthy, Larry Johnson has proven that he is one of the premier running backs in all of football. In 2007, Johnson held out during training camp, injured his foot and only appeared in a handful of games in what should be considered a season to forget. With 2008 being a new year, the Chiefs coaching staff claims Johnson is healthy and ready to run wild behind a new and improved offensive line. We all know that Johnson will get the touches, but the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff questions how his body will hold up. Considering Johnson towards the back-end of the first round would be a good risk/reward pick, but it might be safe to handcuff him with Kolby Smith or Jamaal Charles depending on who has the better preseason showing.
Kolby Smith (RB) – After Johnson went down with a foot injury around midseason it was little known Kolby Smith to the fantasy football rescue. He finished the season with 407 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and three 100 yard games. Not bad for a guy who was a stretch to make the team during training camp. With the Chiefs expecting Johnson to get back to full strength and the drafting of running back Jamaal Charles, it is unknown how many touches Smith will see in 2008.
Dwayne Bowe (WR) – When projecting the 2007 rookie wide receivers, everyone talked about how much of an impact Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions was going to make, but no one talked about how Bowe was going to be the best rookie receiver. Bowe finished the season with 70 receptions, 990 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, which ranked amongst the top 25 statistically at the wide receiver position. If the Chiefs offense had any type of direction, Bowe’s numbers could be off the charts, but until they can find consistency it’s best to set realistic expectations. He is a bottom of the barrel WR2 in a twelve team league and a very good WR3 in a ten team league. Either way, you will get your good games and your bad games from Bowe.
Devard Darling (WR) – As mentioned above, Darling has been nothing more than a third receiver throughout his career and nothing changes here. He might have a game or two in which he posts fantasy football worthy stats, but for the most part he should be stashed in your leagues free agent pool. Plus, he still has to win the job during training camp from Jeff Webb and rookie Will Franklin.
Tony Gonzalez (TE) – Touchdown Tony, as we like to call him, had his best season in four years, despite the fact that the offense couldn’t score points to save their lives. He finished with 99 receptions, 1,172 receiving yards and was able to find pay dirt 5 times. In 2008, we know Gonzalez will be an integral part of the offense, but with Johnson expected to get 20-25+ touches a game, we very well could see a decline in his production. Still, he is considered a top 5 fantasy football tight end and should be swooped up once you have drafted your primary running backs and wide receivers.
Billy Cundiff (K) – In what has turned into a guessing game, it looks like head coach Herm Edwards will give the kicking job to Cundiff. Realistically, it doesn’t matter who kicks for the Chiefs because when it comes to fantasy football kickers, there are 31 better options than Cundiff.
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Rookies to Watch
Will Franklin (WR) – It’s not often that you see a fourth round pick get a chance to start right away, but the Chiefs are in desperation mode. If Franklin can prove to the coaching staff that he can grasp the playbook, the speed of the game and show impressive skills on the field, he will have a chance to win the job out of training camp. In college, at the University of Missouri, Franklin showed off his speed and his ability to get the home run balls, which are two tools the Chiefs are lacking.
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Other Team Capsules
NFC WEST - ARI I STL I SF I SEA
NFC SOUTH - ATL I CAR I NO I TB
NFC NORTH - CHI I DET I GB I MIN
NFC EAST - DAL I NYG I PHI I WAS
AFC WEST - DEN I KC I OAK I SD
AFC SOUTH - HOU I IND I JAX I TEN
AFC NORTH - BAL I CIN I CLE I PIT
AFC EAST - BUF I MIA I NE I NYJ