Alright, fantasy football fans Week 2 is upon us with some Thursday Night Football action. The Denver Broncos travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC West rivalry game. This game is sure to be a fun one to watch and has a ton of fantasy players who may interest you all. Overall, I think we’ll see somewhat of a defensive game, but there will be some scoring from the high-profile players.
So here we go with my Week 2 TNF preview:
Injuries:
There aren’t many injury worries coming into the game other than one big name Denver Broncos’ player. Running back C.J. Anderson was limited in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday due to a toe/ankle injury. Keep your eye on him closer to game time to see his status, if he can’t go Ronnie Hillman will be the man taking the carries over.
Next let’s look at the pros and cons going into the game:
DENVER BRONCOS
Peyton Manning, QB
Over the years, Manning has been an absolute fantasy stud versus the Chiefs. Last season, he completed 38-of-60 passes for 421 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in both games combined versus Kansas City. A year ago the Chiefs were the 2nd ranked team defending opposing quarterbacks, but Manning seems to really be their kryptonite. Last year, Kansas City gave up an average of 17.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and that number is completely reachable for Manning this week.
Fantasy Prediction: 240 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception
C.J. Anderson, RB
Like I discussed above, Anderson is going to be a guy to watch closer to game time. I see Anderson playing, but I’m really worried about his workload compared to Hillman. Just a week ago, the two both had 12 carries a piece and Hillman actually looked better. Last year, the Chiefs ranked at 11th defending against running backs, allowing an average of 16.3 fantasy points per game. Since you most likely used your 1st round pick on Anderson, you’re probably going to play him this week. I think he’ll be an alright play, but don’t expect a massive game.
Fantasy Prediction: 65 rushing yards and 5 receptions for 50 yards
Demaryius Thomas, WR
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Over the years, Thomas has become one of the most prolific players at the wide receiver position. Last week, he had a rather solid day, catching 7 passes for 60 yards. Last season, Kansas City ranked 9th at defending wide receivers, so expect another tough day potentially for Thomas. The Chiefs did, however, allow DeAndre Hopkins to go absolutely ballistic against them in Week 1 so there is some hope for Thomas. Of all the Denver starters, Thomas is my favorite guy for fantasy this week.
Fantasy Prediction: 8 receptions, 95 yards and 1 touchdown
Emmanuel Sanders, WRÂ
Sanders had a solid start to the season last week, grabbing eight catches for 65 yards. He has tons of fantasy upside and should be another solid play this week for your lineups. Thomas will most likely see the bulk of the double teams, freeing Sanders up to get the shorter passes which can really add up in PPR scoring formats. Play Sanders this week with confidence in your season long leagues, he should give you some solid numbers.
Fantasy Prediction: 6 reception, 80 yards and 1 touchdown
Owen Daniels, TE
Just a season ago the tight end position was a hot fantasy commodity in Denver, but a year later the position is looking rather dull. During the off-season, everyone was really high on Daniels’ fantasy value, however, last week I just didn’t see anything impressive from him. Last year, the Chiefs were good at defending tight ends, ranking 10th overall. Search the waiver wire this week for much better fantasy options than Daniels.
Fantasy Prediction: 3 receptions for 40 yards
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Alex Smith, QB
In Week 1, Smith put together a very nice game for fantasy purposes. He completed 22-of-33 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in a Chiefs victory. This week he’s facing a Denver defense who just wasn’t very good at defending quarterbacks last year, ranking 25th overall. In 2014, the Broncos gave up an average of 21.7 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, meaning that Smith could be due for another great game.
Fantasy Prediction: 240 passing yards and 2 touchdowns
Jamaal Charles, RB
Charles is another running back who a lot of you spent a 1st round pick on, maybe even a top three pick. In Week 1, Charles rushed for 57 yards and caught 5 passes for 46 yards with a touchdown. He is a great option at running back, especially in PPR leagues because of his keen ability to catch the ball out the backfield. Last year, the Broncos ranked 10th overall versus the rush, but I still see a nice day coming Charles’ way.
Fantasy Prediction: 65 rushing yards, 7 receptions for 70 yards, and a touchdown.
Jeremy Maclin, WR
All off-season long I’ve been super high on Maclin because I firmly believe that he is a spectacular fit within Andy Reid’s offense. In Week 1, Maclin was targeted a team-high nine times by Smith, which gives me a ton of confidence in him. Out of those nine targets, though, he was only able to catch five of them for 52 yards. Last season, the Broncos were great against wide receivers, ranking 3rd overall. I don’t expect a huge game from Maclin, but there are worse options out there than him.
Fantasy Prediction: 5 receptions for 70 yards
Travis Kelce, TE
Everyone loves Rob Gronkowski so much, but I’m sitting in the front row of the Kelce hype train. The dude is a freak athlete and is super quick on the field. Last week, he caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. One scary thing going into this game for Kelce owners is the fact that Denver really had his number last year. The Broncos held him to just seven catches for 117 yards and no touchdowns in both games combined last season. In 2014, Denver ranked 26th versus tight ends, giving up an average of 9.2 fantasy points per game to the position. None of last season’s stats scare me, though, I expect Kelce to have another big night.
Fantasy Prediction: 7 receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown
WEATHER
The forecast in Kansas City is looking to be decent by game time. We’re looking at just a 15 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the mid-80’s. The 15 mile per hour winds could be a factor in the game for the quarterbacks and kickers, so keep your eye on that.
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