With only four teams remaining in each fantasy league across the board, it’s not exactly a news flash to say that fantasy owners have to be at the top of their game. Several factors present themselves for the matchup between the Chiefs and Titans on Sunday, and fantasy owners will absolutely have to examine them closely to get the upper hand on their opponent. Let’s take a look:
Tennessee Titans
Fantasy owners aren’t about to sit Demarco Murray, a player acquired at a bargain who has undoubtedly paved the way for several teams who find themselves this deep into the fantasy season. He is a no-brainer RB1 as usual.
But as for Marcus Mariota? The same can’t be said for him after completing just six passes against the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense in Week 14. Mariota has had a fabulous season and has been a QB1 throughout, but if his fantasy owners survived his epic dud against the Broncos, there are luckily better things are in store even against a capable Chiefs defense. The Chiefs held Derek Carr to just 117 passing yards in frigid conditions in Week 14, but Mariota has the upside to do battle with a Chiefs team ranked 18th against the pass and has allowed 21 touchdowns through the air. Mariota remains a QB1, and fantasy owners would be wise to find a spot in lineups for Rishard Matthews as well.
Start ‘em?
Delanie Walker has been a viable tight end for most of the season despite intermittent terrible outputs, but that is something every fantasy owner has had to deal with from his or her tight end position. The Chiefs house a defense that has allowed the third fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, so if a safer option exists on rosters, fantasy owners may want to explore them. Walker’s upside is what makes him an attractive option, but there has to be awareness of a severe downside for Week 15.
Sit ‘em
Kendall Wright, Tajae Sharpe and Derrick Henry aren’t in the fantasy conversation for fantasy football’s semifinals week or beyond.
Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy owners with Travis Kelce haven’t had to deal with the usual laments about the tight end position over the last four weeks. Kelce now has four consecutive 100-yard outings and leads all tight ends in fantasy points scored in 2016. There isn’t a more attractive option at the position than Kelce, who can be penned into lineups as usual. Spencer Ware and Tyreek Hill also garner roster spots, although fantasy owners have to account for their usual volatility.
Sit ‘em
Jeremy Maclin is no longer the Chiefs’ lone attractive option at receiver after coming off of a groin injury and with the emergence of the electric Hill. He, Alex Smith and handcuff Characndrick West can remain on fantasy benches.