While this game is not likely to garnish high TV ratings outside of local markets, the deficiencies of each team may make for an interesting game. 

The Chiefs watched a 2nd half lead evaporate vs. the Cowboys last week, losing a heartbreaker in overtime 26-20.  Meanwhile, the Redskins lost at Carolina, 17-20, and have played each of their games within 6 points this season, including a week one loss at the Giants 17-23. 

The strengths of each team is hard to find, as it appears the Redskins are mediocre on both sides of the ball, ranking 19th in total offense and 19th in total defense.  They have managed to secure two wins, vs. the lowly St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  But let’s not forget, they also lost to the Detroit Lions.  The Chiefs have also yet to find an identity, ranking 23rd in the league in total offense and 26th in total defense.  They have failed to protect their quarterback, provide holes for their running game, and lack weapons on offense to move the ball consistently. 

Fantasy Players of Relevance:

Washington Redskins

• QB Jason Campbell - I never think this guy gets enough credit.  He’s not spectacular, but you name a guy in the league that would look great with this receiving corps.  He’s completing 67% of his passes, though only has 6 TD’s vs. 5 INT’s.   The Chiefs have not been great at pressuring the QB and have had difficulty tackling in the secondary.  Projections:  225 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT.
• RB Clinton Portis – While no longer fooling anyone with speed or shifty moves, Portis continues to lug the rock, toting 91 carries for 338 yds (3.7 ypc), but has only 1 rushing TD.  Projections:  90 total yds, 0 TD.
• WR Santana Moss – As mentioned above, the Chiefs secondary has had trouble tackling, especially shifty and speedy receivers.  If Moss is targeted, he could produce some big plays.  Projections: 90 yds, 1 TD.
• TE Chris Cooley – Second on the team in receptions, Cooley finds holes in zone packages, and should have a decent day against the Chiefs.  Campbell is likely to have plenty of time for check downs to the TE.  Projections:  80 yds, 1 TD.

Kansas City Chiefs

• QB Matt Cassel – Having been sacked 17 times, and knocked down too many to count, Cassel has had little time to survey the field for big plays.  He has been efficient and not made huge mistakes, but has thrown for under 200 yards in 3 of his 5 starts.  He has notched 2 TD passes in each of his last 3 games.  The Redskins pass rush does not resemble the likes of the Cowboys, Giants, Eagles or Ravens, and Cassel could finally have some room to breathe in this one.  Projections:  225 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT.
• RB Larry Johnson – An anemic 2.4 ypc average and 0 TD’s thus far for LJ, his nearly 19 carries a game have been essentially wasted plays.  With Albert Haynesworth manning the middle of the Redskins line, I don’t see LJ breaking out in this one.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of Jamaal Charles and his speed in this one.  Projections for LJ:  70 total yds, 1 TD.
• WR Dwayne Bowe – Clearly this team’s only difference maker on offense, Bowe has only produced 15 catches for 181 yds, with 3 TD’s on the season.  I’m speechless, when they need a play – he delivers.  Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade offer little protection for Bowe, and teams often cover him under and over, which may explain his lack of production.  If Cassel can stay upright, I look for Bowe to finally emerge with a big game.  Projections: 90 yds, 2 TD.
• TE Sean Ryan – While Cassel has struggled to look down field, Ryan has made a decent contribution with 13 catches, 124 yds, and 2 TD’s.  I’d look for more of the same vs. the Redskins.  Projections:  30 yds, 0 TD.

Game Prediction – In an ugly game filled with penalties and missed assignments, the Chiefs dent the win column and send Jim Zorn packing out of D.C.  Final score – Chiefs 24, Redskins 17.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 10:35 pm and is filed under Chiefs Fantasy Preview, News Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.