Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (toe) was back as a full participant in practice Tuesday, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.
Insight: Charles left Friday's OTA after his right toe was stepped on. His X-rays came back negative. The running back had a career-high 1,509 rushing yards last season, and he's expected to be more involved in the passing game this season.
Description: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the Chiefs are no longer looking to trade offensive tackle Branden Albert.
Insight: The Chiefs almost had a deal in place to trade Albert to Miami but in the end, the Dolphins weren't willing to give away their second round draft pick. Kansas City gave Albert the franchise tag earlier this offseason.
Description: Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher was taken by the Chiefs as the first overall pick at the 2013 NFL Draft.
Insight: Fisher was expected to go either first or second with Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel also in the mix for the No. 1 selection. Fisher should be able to make an impact right away by using his 6-foot-7 frame to shield quarterback Alex Smith from opposing defenders.
Description: According to ESPN's John Clayton, Miami would be willing to give up the 54th pick in the draft for Chiefs tackle Branden Albert.
Insight: But it doesn't sound like they'd part with the 42nd pick, which is likely what it will take for Kansas City to pull the trigger. The two sides still have another 24 hours to hammer out a deal before the second round of the draft gets underway.
Description: As expected, the Chiefs cut ties with Matt Cassel Thursday afternoon.
Insight: Kansas City got one good year and three bad ones out the six-year, $63 million contract Cassel signed in 2009. He'll have to settle for a backup job somewhere but even if he starts a few games in 2013 he won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Donnie Avery has signed a three-year, $8.55 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Insight: Avery experienced a resurgence with the Colts in 2012 with 60 receptions for 781 yards and three touchdowns. He'll likely be the Chiefs No. 2 receiver across from Dwayne Bowe in 2013.
Description: Right tackle Eric Winston was let go by the Chiefs on Wednesday.
Insight: Kansas City is in rebuilding mode and cutting Winston frees up about $3.5 million in cap space. Winston shouldn't have any trouble finding a new team this offseason.
Description: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and the Chiefs have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Bowe seemed hesitant about coming back to the Chiefs earlier this offseason but that may have changed when he found out that Alex Smith would be the quarterback next season. He should be able to reach 1,000 yards again next season after falling short of that mark in 2012 (801 yards in 13 games).
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs will cut quarterback Matt Cassel now that the team has completed a trade for Alex Smith.
Insight: Cassel is already attracting interest from the quarterback-starved Cardinals. Arizona might be the only team that Cassel has a realistic chance of starting for next season.
Description: Jay Glazer of FOX Sports first reported that the 49ers have traded Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs for two draft picks, a second-rounder in 2013 and conditional third-rounder in 2014. The deal is completed but won't be made official by the league until the new NFL year begins on March 12.
Insight: Smith's best years have come under Jim Harbaugh the last two seasons, but San Francisco found a new franchise quarterback in Colin Kaepernick after Smith suffered a concussion in the 10th game of the season. Even in 2012-13, when he had a 104.1 QB rating and 70.2 completion percentage, Smith didn't do much for fantasy owners as more of a game manager type of quarterback. New Chiefs coach Andy Reid likes to throw the ball, but Smith's fantasy value isn't likely to change much.
Description: NFL.com's Ian Rapaport reports that the Chiefs and free agent wide receiver Dwayne Bowe are working on a long-term contract.
Insight: After the season it looked like Bowe was headed elsewhere but now it appears he's thinking about coming back to Kansas City. Bowe has finished with over 1,000 receiving yards three times in his last five seasons and it could have been four out of five if he had been healthy last season (missed three games due to injury).
Description: If Kansas City free agent wide receiver Dwayne Bowe were to return to the Chiefs next season, he could benefit from new coach Andy Reid's love of the passing game.
Insight: Bowe was thought to have played his last game in Kansas City, but should consider returning to play for a coach who historically throws the ball at one of the highest percentage rates in the league. Over his 14-year career in Philadelphia, Reid's teams threw the ball 57.2 percent of the time and ran it just 42.8 percent.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles had a quiet end to a fantastic season Sunday against the Broncos. The team was down 28-3 early in the third quarter and Charles only had 14 carries.
Insight: He had 53 yards, which were enough to get him over 1,500 rushing yards for the first time in his career. After an ACL tear ended his season in Week 2 of 2011, Charles bounced back with a career-high 285 carries and 1,509 yards.
Description: Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki (head) will play Sunday versus Denver.
Insight: After missing 2011-12 with a torn ACL, Moeaki has had a decent comeback season (31-432-1) considering the turmoil surrounding the Chiefs' passing game. However, he hasn't done enough to be relied upon as a TE2 Sunday.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dexter McCluster (illness) is active for Week 17 against the Broncos.
Insight: McCluster has racked up 51 catches this season but just 447 yards since he is used primarily on patterns close to the line of scrimmage. We doubt he'll be active in most fantasy lineups.
Description: Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki (head) is questionable Sunday after returning to practice on Friday.
Insight: After missing 2011-12 with a torn ACL, Moeaki has had a decent comeback season (31-432-1) considering the turmoil surrounding the Chiefs' passing game. However, he's not someone to trust in Week 17, even in two-TE leagues.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dexter McCluster (illness) has been added to the injury report as questionable for Week 17. He missed Friday's practice due to an illness. SOURCE: Lindsay Jones, USA Today
Insight: There must be something going around the Chiefs locker room; four other players are listed on the injury report with illnesses this week. McCluster has racked up 51 catches this season but just 447 yards since he is used primarily on patterns close to the line of scrimmage.
Description: Kansas City halfback Peyton Hillis broke out of a season-long slump Sunday with 101 rushing yards in a loss to the Colts.
Insight: Part of the reason Hillis was able to produce so many yards was because he received a season-high 15 carries. Perhaps he'll see a similar workload next week against the Broncos.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles went absolutely bananas Sunday in a loss to Indianapolis. Charles finished the afternoon with 226 yards on 22 carries.
Insight: He also scored his fifth touchdown of the season. He only needs 12 yards next Sunday against Denver to eclipse his previous career-high of 1,467 rushing yards in one season.
Description: The Kansas City Star suspects wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has played his final game with the Chiefs.
Insight: Bowe will become a free agent after the season and should be one of the most coveted receivers on the market. Why would Bowe come back to a team that has won only two games all season when he could play for a better team and make more money somewhere else? Bowe is currently on injured reserve with broken ribs.
Description: The Chiefs may turn to Ricky Stanzi to start at quarterback in Week 16, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said. SOURCE: Kansas City Star
Insight: Brady Quinn injured his ribs Sunday and his status for Week 16 against the Colts is in doubt. "There's a possibility," Crennel said of Stanzi playing Sunday. Quinn will be evaluated Tuesday. Stanzi has never thrown an NFL pass.
Description: Kansas City halfback Jamaal Charles had just 10 yards on nine rushing attempts Sunday, snapping a string of four straight 100-yard game.
Insight: Charles has run for 87.9 yards per game despite turning in performances of six carries for three yards, five carries for four yards and nine carries for 10 yards this season because he has rushed for an average of 110 yards in his other 11 games.
Description: The Chiefs have officially placed injured receiver Dwayne Bowe on injured reserve.
Insight: Bowe suffered a season-ending rib injury in last Sunday's loss to the Browns. His 801 receiving yards this season account for the wideout's lowest total since 2009 when he reeled in only 589 yards in 11 games.
Description: NBC Sports reports Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe will be placed on injured reserve after breaking his ribs in Sunday's loss to the Browns.
Insight: He'll finish the season with 59 catches for 801 yards and three touchdowns. With Bowe sidelined, we'd expect the Chiefs to rely more on their running game going foward, which means a heavy workload for franchise running back Jamaal Charles (1,220 yards, four TD).
Description: Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe (ribs) has been ruled out for Week 15. SOURCE: Adam Teicher, KC Star
Insight: The team fears that Bowe suffered broken ribs Sunday against the Browns. His fantasy value has been on life support since midseason anyway so you likely moved on long ago.
Description: The Chiefs fear wide receiver Dwayne Bowe broke two ribs Sunday against the Browns. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Bowe had two receptions for 70 yards before heading to the locker room at the end of the first quarter. Fantasy owners have likely already learned to live without Bowe since he's been largely ineffective due to shoddy QB play this season.
Description: Kansas City halfback Jamaal Charles (ribs) left Sunday's game with a rib injury but later returned. SOURCE: Tony Grossi, ESPNCleveland.com
Insight: Charles ran for 123 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, with 80 coming on his first run of the day, prior to the injury and he's back for more.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe left Sunday's game versus Cleveland with a rib injury and is questionable to return.
Insight: Bowe had two receptions for 70 yards before exiting. Both Bowe and Jamaal Charles have gone down with injuries to the rib area in Sunday's game.
Description: Kansas City halfback Jamaal Charles (ribs) is questionable to return to Sunday's game due to a rib injury.
Insight: Charles ran for 123 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, with 80 coming on his first run of the day, so it won't be a total loss if he doesn't return.
Description: After discussions between the league office, coach Romeo Crennel and the Chiefs team captains, Kansas City has advised the NFL that it will play Sunday's game versus Carolina at its originally scheduled time of 1 p.m. ET. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: There was some question of whether the game would be play after Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend dead and then committed suicide Saturday morning in the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot in front of Crennel, GM Scott Pioli and LB coach Gary Gibbs.
Description: In a tragic scene Saturday morning, Chiefs 25-year-old linebacker Jovan Belcher reportedly killed his girlfriend and then went to Arrowhead Stadium, where he shot himself dead in the parking lot. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com
Insight: Carolina Panthers interim GM Brandon Beane said that the NFL has advised the team to travel to Kansas City as planned for its scheduled 1 p.m. ET game Sunday, according to the Charlotte Observer. CBSSports.com reported that the Chiefs gathered the players inside Arrowhead Stadium after the incident and at this point plan to have regular preparation for Sunday's game. Things could always change between now and kickoff but it appears Kansas City's Week 13 game will be played as scheduled.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe saw 12 targets Sunday but had just four receptions for 41 yards.
Insight: Bowe had to catch passes from Brady Quinn while watching Peyton Manning sling the ball to Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. How cruel. He should be parked on fantasy benches.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles churned out 107 yards on 23 carries Sunday against Denver, the fourth time this season he's gone over the century mark.
Insight: Charles has shown he can handle a heavy workload this season -- he's carried the ball an average of 17.7 times per game. He might have the easiest schedule of any running back in the fantasy playoffs -- against Cleveland, Oakland and Indianapolis from Week 14-16.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe, who sat out the entire second half Sunday against Cincinnati with neck and back problems, is active for the game against Denver.
Insight: That's the good news. The bad news is that Brady Quinn is his starting quarterback and he'll be covered by the talented Champ Bailey.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe, who sat out the entire second half Sunday against Cincinnati with neck and back problems, is probable for Sunday's game against Denver, according to coach Romeo Vrennel who expects him to play.
Insight: That's the good news. The bad news is that Brady Quinn is his starting quarterback and he'll be covered by the talented Champ Bailey.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe sat out the entire second half Sunday against Cincinnati. Bowe left the game in the second quarter after suffering a neck injury.
Insight: The Chiefs were getting crushed so they may have held Bowe out simply to avoid making the injury any worse. The Associated Press reports that Bowe did not suffer a concussion, which is obviously good news for fantasy owners.
Description: Kansas City QB Brady Quinn has come on to replace starter Matt Cassel.
Insight: Cassel struggled during the first half, completing just eight of 16 passes for 93 yards. He also fumbled the ball once. Since coming in Quinn is 3-for-4 for 30 yards. Neither player has committed a turnover yet, though the Chiefs are trailing the Bengals 21-6 midway through the third quarter.
Description: Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe left Sunday's game in the second quarter with a head injury. His return is doubtful.
Insight: Bowe landed on his head and went to the locker room. When he returned he didn't have his helmet with him, a pretty sure sign that he's not returning anytime soon.
Description: Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel wouldn't say who his starting quarterback will be for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Brady Quinn (concussion) has been cleared. SOURCE: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star
Insight: It shouldn't matter the fantasy owners. We just hope whomever Crennel chooses can get the ball to Dwayne Bowe and increase his rapidly shrinking fantasy value.
Description: With quarterback Brady Quinn still recovering from a concussion, Kansas City will go with Matt Cassel under center for Week 10's matchup at Pittsburgh.
Insight: If the Steelers can shut down Eli Manning, they certainly won't have trouble defending the erratic Cassel. This won't be one of Cassel's better fantasy weeks.
Description: Chiefs' running back Jamaal Charles was limited in practice with a neck problem stemming from a hard hit in the second half of last Thursday night's game.
Insight: Charles, who left Thursday's game after taking a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter, passed all his concussion tests and should be ready to go against Pittsburgh in Week 10, but with all head/neck injuries you must be vigil.
Description: Chiefs' running back Jamaal Charles, who left Thursday's game after taking a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter, passed all his concussion tests and should be ready to go against Pittsburgh in Week 10.
Insight: Charles hasn't had a productive game since Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens when he carried the ball 31 times. In the last three contests he's been given the ball 12 times or less. It's time to be concerned about the play calling and Charles' ability to produce big fantasy results.
Description: Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe was targeted 10 times in Thursday's game against the Chargers. Bowe caught eight passes for 79 yards but lost a fumble in the first quarter.
Insight: Bowe came in having caught just six passes for 90 yards in the last two games. We think Matt Cassel is better for Bowe's fantasy value than Brady Quinn but neither quarterback really maximizes Bowe's talent.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles left Thursday's game after taking a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs are calling it a neck injury.
Insight: Matt Cassel threw an interception for a touchdown one play later to put Kansas City down 31-6 so Charles won't return. The good news is that the running back ran to the sideline after intially staying down on the grass for a minute. Charles finished with 39 yards rushing on 12 carries and 27 yards receiving on three receptions.
Description: Chiefs OC Brian Daboll defended the team's Week 8 use of running back Jamaal Charles Tuesday, saying, " ... give Oakland credit. They did a nice job of stopping the run. We tried to move it some other ways. Every week is a new week." SOURCE: Kansas City Star
Insight: Fantasy owners have to hope that Week 9 will indeed be a new week after Charles rushed for just four yards on five carries in Week 8. He has just 17 runs combined in the past two games after averaging 27 carries per game from Week 3-5.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Brady Quinn, who left the game against Oakland in the second quarter with a head injury, was not at the Chiefs facility on Monday according to beat writer Dave Skretta.
Insight: With Kansas City scheduled to play Thursday against San Diego, it appears that Matt Cassel will be the Chiefs' starter.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis (ankle) was a full participant in practice Friday. That puts him on track to play Sunday versus Oakland.
Insight: Starter Jamaal Charles is averaging 21.8 touches per game this season but he's been relied on even more heavily with Hillis out, averaging 26.5 touches per game in the last four contests. Hillis is unlikely to cut into Charles' workload but we think he'll take the touches Shaun Draughn has been receiving. Draughn is averaging 11.25 touches in the last four games. That still makes him a risky fantasy play, especially since the Raiders have been above average against the run (3.8 ypc).
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis (ankle) returned to the practice field on Monday, reports Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.
Insight: We will get a better idea in a couple of days when the team issues their injury report as to whether he'll play this week. Given the excellent performances by Jamaal Charles, Hillis may not be fantasy worthy even if he is active this week.
Description: Brady Quinn will continue to be the Chiefs' starting quarterback even after Matt Cassel returns from injury.
Insight: This move is a bit of a headscratcher considering how bad Quinn looked last week against a mediocre Buccaneers team (two INT, 48.1 QB rating). Cassel seems to have fallen out of favor with the Kansas City fanbase so at the very least this move should boost team morale going forward.
Description: Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said he's holding a quarterback competition during the team's bye week between Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn, according to an Associated Press report.
Insight: Cassel (concussion) has been cleared for non-contact work and he should be cleared for full contact next week but he's going to have to share reps with Quinn in practice before Crennel makes his decision. Cassel has shown the ability to get the ball to Dwayne Bowe on a consistent basis so he's the option fantasy owners should be rooting for.
Description: Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe "very badly" wants out of Kansas City, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports. Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post cited a team source in saying that the Dolphins are not currently in trade talks with the Chiefs for Bowe.
Insight: While we'd like to see what Bowe could do with Ryan Tannehill throwing him the ball instead of Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn, a move to Miami would likely serve to hinder his fantasy value, especially short-term. As Volin pointed out, veteran 11-year veteran Jabar Gaffney is having a lot of difficulty learning the Dolphins' complicated no-huddle offense and communications. Bowe could have the same issues trying to catch up midseason.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (back) is listed as limited in practice, but has plenty of time to get well before Kansas City meets Oakland in Week 8.
Insight: Charles struggled against Tampa Bay after three weeks of solid production. He'll have 12 more days to heal before his next game, so fantasy owners should not be overly concerned.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel (concussion) has been cleared for non-contact practice according to coach Romeo Crennel. He'll have to pass additional tests next Monday to play in Week 8 against Oakland.
Insight: It's the next step in his return to the field after the Chiefs' bye week. Cassel was quietly productive over the first four week averaging 264 ypg over that span.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 6 after not practicing Friday.
Insight: When Hillis returns he's likely to cut into Shaun Draughn's workload but he won't be a useful fantasy play due to Romeo Crennel's affinity for Jamaal Charles.
Description: Chiefs receiver Jonathan Baldwin is dealing with a hamstring injury and limited in practice this week.
Insight: Many had Baldwin ready for a breakout season, but it hasn't happened. A hamstring injury and Brady Quinn at quarterback should have you running, not walking, to other options.
Description: Chiefs running back Shaun Draughn is questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with an ankle injury, but is expected to play against the Bucs on Sunday.
Insight: Peyton Hillis is out and Draughn is limping, It's no wonder Romeo Crennel is overworking Jamaal Charles. We just hope he doesn't go overboard.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel (concussion) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. Brady Quinn will start.
Insight: We expect Quinn to turn around and hand off to Jamaal Charles another 25-30 times this week but Dwayne Bowe should still see plenty of targets.
Description: The Chiefs may have some quarterback issues but it isn't impacting Dwayne Bowe. The receiver is on pace for 99 catches and 1,286 yards receiving, both of which would be a career high.
Insight: Bowe has been targeted 57 times, second most in the NFL. Kansas City will probably run Jamaal Charles 30-plus times again, especially with Brady Quinn starting in place of a concussed Matt Cassel, but Bowe will still get his targets.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel (concussion) has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers but Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said it's highly unlikely he'll play, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.
Insight: We expect Brady Quinn to start and the Chiefs to hand it off 25-30 times to Jamaal Charles again in Week 6.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel has been diagnosed with a concussion, according to NBCSports.com. Cassel was caught between Haloti Ngata and Pernell McPhee on a big hit Sunday and left the game.
Insight: Chiefs fans were already calling for Cassel's benching but now Romeo Crennel may have no choice but to start Brady Quinn. Kansas City might be better off with Quinn considering Cassel has turned the ball over so frequently this season.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles rushed 30 times for 140 yards Sunday against the Ravens.
Insight: Charles has handled 30 or more carries in two of the last three games. To put that in perspective, Charles only had 20-plus carried three times during his breakout year in 2010. The workload is great for his numbers in the short term but he could wear down as the season goes on.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel left Sunday's game after taking a big hit and was seen walking to the locker room.
Insight: Chiefs fans were already calling for Cassel's benching. The Chiefs managed only three points in the first three-plus quarters with Cassel going 9-of-15 for 92 yards and two interceptions. Brady Quinn replaced Cassel.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles will once again carry the workload for Kansas City with Peyton Hillis out due to a sprained ankle.
Insight: Fantasy owners have to love Charles' production, but now should be worried about overuse. He's averaging 21 touches-per-game, up from 17 in 2010 when he produced his best season - 1,935 yards from scrimmage.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis didn't practice on Wednesday and continues to show minimal progress in his recovery from a sprained ankle.
Insight: Hillis is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Baltimore though we wouldn't expect much from him even if he plays. There's no question Kansas City's backfield belongs to Jamaal Charles now that he is healthy again.
Description: San Diego tailback Jackie Battle has passed teammate Ryan Mathews and is now listed as No. 1 on the team's running back depth chart.
Insight: Let's be realistic. Mathews would have been drafted in the top five in fantasy this year if he hadn't broken his collar bone in the preseason. The Chargers had every right to be upset with Mathews after he fumbled on an important possession against the Falcons in Week 3 but this punishment seems excessive. Mathews is too good a player to be relegated to backup status. We have a hunch this setup won't last more than a couple weeks. Even if Battle does carry the starter label into Week 5, it wouldn't be surprising if he ceded about half of his carries to the more qualified Mathews.
Description: Kansas City tight end Kevin Boss has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion.
Insight: He'll miss the remainder of the 2012 season. With Boss gone for the year, Tony Moeaki will take over as the team's starting tight end. Last week Moeaki came down with three catches for 18 yards.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe was limited in practice during the week with a groin injury but it didn't hurt him Sunday. The receiver turned in his second 100-yard game of the season.
Insight: Bowe caught seven passes and a touchdown and now has 25 receptions and three scores in four games. It's nice to see Matt Cassel's inconsistent play is not hurting Bowe one bit.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel has turned the ball over 10 times in four games, but he does have six total touchdowns.
Insight: Cassel threw three picks Sunday against San Diego to bring his season total to seven (he's also lost three fumbles). He's nothing more than a shaky bye-week fill-in.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles followed up his huge day in Week 3 with 92 yards rushing and two touchdowns -- one rushing, one receiving -- Sunday against the Chargers. However, he lost two fumbles.
Insight: Charles ran for 233 yards last week against New Orleans and the team still leaned on him Sunday even though San Diego took a 20-0 lead in the first half.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dexter McCluster will be active for Sunday's matchup against San Diego. McCluster has been dealing with elbow issues on and off throughout the past week.
Insight: McCluster won't see many red zone targets given his small stature (5-foor-8, 170 pounds) but he could rack up some nice yardage against a rather porous Chargers secondary, especially if the Chiefs find themselves trailing and are forced to air it out in the second half.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe is listed as active for Sunday's game versus the Chargers. Bowe has been limited in practice over the last week because of a sore groin.
Insight: Matt Cassel owners must be thrilled by this news. Kansas City's top receiver should be in for a solid fantasy game Sunday against a San Diego squad that was ripped to shreds a week ago versus Atlanta.
Description: Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel and OC Brian Daboll have a much different strategy regarding top back Jamaal Charles than former coach Todd Haley had. Whereas Haley wanted to keep Charles fresh, Crennel and Daboll are going to "ride Charles hard, whether it's for the best in the long-term or not," according to the Kansas City Star.
Insight: Charles topped his career high in touches by 12 last week against the Saints, carrying 33 times and catching six passes. While the strategy is great news for Charles' fantasy owners in the short term, there's a chance the smallish back coming off an ACL tear will wear down as the season goes on.
Description: Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe is expected to play Sunday versus the Chargers according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bowe is listed as questionable with an injured groin.
Insight: The Chiefs will likely need to pass the ball early and often to keep up with San Diego's high-powered offense. Bowe should see plenty of targets in Week 4, despite the groin issues.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe (groin) has been listed as questionable for Week 4 against San Diego. He's been limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.
Insight: Bowe is the team's only top-tier receiver so if he can't go Sunday versus the Chargers, it would be a huge blow to quarterback Matt Cassel's fantasy value. We should know Bowe's status early Sunday since the Chiefs play at 1 p.m. ET.
Description: According to the Kansas City Star, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said he will use running back Jamaal Charles "as much as needed" Sunday versus the Chargers.
Insight: Charles only had six carries in Week 2 but he handled 39 touches and had 288 yards from scrimmage Sunday against the Saints. Peyton Hillis looks doubtful for Week 4 with an ankle injury so Charles should see upwards of 20 touches Sunday.
Description: Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe was limited Thursday because of an injured thigh.
Insight: Bowe is the team's only top-tier receiver so if he can't go Sunday versus the Chargers, it would be a huge blow to quarterback Matt Cassel's fantasy value. We're not sure about the extent of Bowe's injury but the fact that he's been described as "limited" is a sign that things might not be that bad. Unless his condition worsens between now and Sunday, we're guessing he'll be on the field for Week 4.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis was still wearing his walking boot on Wednesday. Hillis sprained his ankle last week in a win over the Saints.
Insight: There's no need to rush (no pun intended) Hillis back after the way Jamaal Charles performed in Week 3. Consider Hillis highly questionable for Sunday's game against San Diego.
Description: Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe only has 18 receptions on 37 targets this season.
Insight: Bowe has been targeted an astonishing 31 times in the last two weeks, and he's caught 15 balls for 181 yards and two scores in that span. While his catch rate is on the low side he should remain a top WR2 option with all those targets.
Description: Adam Teicher of The Kansas City Star is reporting that Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis was seen in a walking boot on Monday. He left Sunday's game at New Orleans with an ankle injury.
Insight: Hillis reached awkwardly for a Matt Cassel pass and immediately walked off the field. Hillis may not be missed if Jamaal Charles can continue to run as he did last Sunday.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles improved on his rushing total from a week ago by 230 yards in Week 3, rushing for 233 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown.
Insight: Charles only had six carries in Week 2 but he looked electric in gashing New Orleans Sunday. He also caught six passes for 55 yards. Continue to start him as a RB1.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis left Sunday's game at New Orleans with an ankle injury.
Insight: Hillis reached awkwardly for a Matt Cassel pass and immediately walked off the field. Hillis may not be missed this week as Jamaal Charles has looked excellent.
Description: Kansas City WR/RB Dexter McCluster left the game on Sunday with an apparent elbow injury.
Insight: McCluster had one rushing attempt for five yards and three receptions for 28 yards. Wide receivers Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston should see more opportunities.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (knee) is officially listed as probable on the Week 3 injury report.
Insight: Charles fully participated in practice every day this week so he should be fine for Sunday. New Orleans has been terrible against the run this season so get Charles in your lineup as an RB1.
Description: In his Monday press conference Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said running back Jamaal Charles was dealing with a sore knee, but should be fine for Week 3.
Insight: Charles never got into a rhythm Sunday as the Chiefs quickly abandoned the running game after falling behind by three touchdowns. There are always setbacks along the road to full recover from major knee surgery and this Sunday was one of them.
Description: Chargers running back Jackie Battle scored two touchdowns and rushed for 69 yards on 14 carries Sunday after not getting a carry last week.
Insight: Curtis Brinkley started and had 43 yards on 18 carries, but Battle was the more effective back Sunday against Tennessee. Unfortunately, Ryan Mathews is expected to return next week so Battle will be rendered irrelevant. If Mathews gets hurt again, though, you know where to turn.
Description: Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles struggled to just three yards on six rushing attempts Sunday against Buffalo.
Insight: Charles never got into a rhythm Sunday as the Chiefs quickly abandoned the running game after falling behind by three touchdowns. Also concerning is the fact that Peyton Hillis recorded 11 carries for 66 yards. It's unclear who the featured back will be going forward but if this continues to be a 50/50 split, you'll want to stay clear of Charles and Hillis in fantasy.
Description: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel reached 300 yards in a game for the first time since 2010 Sunday in a blowout loss versus Buffalo.
Insight: Obviously most of the yardage came in garbage time with the Bills already up by 20 so take Cassel's gaudy numbers with a grain of salt. He still struggled with completion percentage (54.8 percent for the game) and his QB rating for the game was only 83.5. Don't expect this kind of production from Cassel on a weekly basis.
Description: Kansas City wideout Dwayne Bowe hauled in two touchdown catches Sunday in a 35-17 loss to the Bills.
Insight: Bowe now has 22 touchdown receptions in his last 34 games. His first score came from 33 yards out while his second came from two yards away. Both touchdowns came in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand for Buffalo.
Description: Chiefs tight end Kevin Boss left Sunday's game after taking a blow to the head on a reception.
Insight: Boss caught a touchdown last week and had a 29-yard reception Sunday but he received an elbow to the head from a Chiefs defender and is unlikely to return.
Description: Kansas City LB Tamba Hali returns from a one-game suspension this week to bolster a Chiefs defense that was demolished by the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Insight: He's been All-Pro caliber for the last few years with 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 85 tackles and 33 assists over that span. The Chiefs may also get back talented CB Brandon Flowers which would further lower the fantasy values of Bills starters C.J. Spiller, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Stevie Johnson.
Description: Kansas City WR/RB Dexter McCluster was targeted a team-high 10 times in the Chiefs 40-24 loss to Atlanta.
Insight: McCluster carried the ball 114 times in 2011 due to the team's many running back injuries, but that isn't likely to be the case in 2012 with the acquisition of Peyton Hillis. It's exciting to see McCluster used this much in the passing game. We know Dwayne Bowe will eventually be the team's target leader, but if McCluster is the No. 2 option he could have significant fantasy value.
Description: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe started out strong but he only caught one pass in the second half.
Insight: Matt Cassel looked great in the first half, but he threw two interceptions after halftime. Bowe finished with three catches for 53 yards against a good Falcons secondary.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles' first game since Week 2 of last season went well, as the back handled 16 carries and registered 87 yards rushing.
Insight: Charles displayed the same burst that helped him rush for 1,500 yards two seasons ago. He looks to be completely recovered from a torn ACL and is a solid RB1.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (ACL) rushed six times for 32 yards and caught a pass in the Chiefs third preseason game against Seattle. The important information is that he looked healthy.
Insight: Charles has looked fine in limited action. That might be the key phrase as we head into the season. With Peyton Hillis there for the heavy lifting, Charles may be sharing a lot of the workload. He'll be a high-risk pick in 2012 because of the 11 months off and arrival of Hillis.
Description: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who signed a one-year franchise deal at the end of last week, is expected to get his first game action on Friday night, according to coach Romeo Crennel.
Insight: Bowe is trying to learn the new offense installed by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and this is the first sign that he's getting a good grasp of the system. Bowe caught 81 balls last year, for 1,159 yards and five touchdowns and will be a top fantasy receiver again this season.
Description: Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe signed his one-year franchise deal and should have plenty of time to be ready for Week 1.
Insight: Bowe will have to learn new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's system in a short period of time, but we don't expect that to be a problem. The addition of Peyton Hillis and the return of Jamaal Charles should take some of the spotlight away from Bowe and open up more room in the secondary.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this month that wide receiver Dwayne Bowe wasn't likely to end his holdout until just before the start of the regular season but Sports Illustrated's Peter King seems to have a different opinion on the matter. After attending Chiefs practice on Wednesday, King believes Bowe will be back with the team within the week.
Insight: Bowe reeled in a solid 81 catches in 2011 while completing his third 1,000-yard receiving campaign in his last four seasons. If he gets a couple weeks of practice under his belt to shake off the rust, Bowe should be poised for another strong year in 2012.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis showed his versatility, rushing four times for 41 yards and catching an 11-yard touchdowns pass.
Insight: It remains to be seen how the division of the workload will go between Hillis and Jamaal Charles. Kansas City gave an ancient Thomas Jones 245 carries to Jamaal Charles' 230 in 2010 and a similar split could produce big dividends for Hillis owners, especially as the Chiefs try to limit Charles as he comes back from a torn ACL.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (ACL) saw his first taste of hitting since the surgery on his left knee, rushing three times for 12 yards in the Chiefs exhibition opener against Arizona.
Insight: Charles took a hit to the knee and got up without incident which is a good sign. He produced top-five running back numbers in 2010 (1,935 yards from scrimmage, 8 TDs) before getting injured in Week 2 last year. He'll be a high-risk pick in 2012 because of the 11 months off and arrival of Peyton Hillis.
Description: According to NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, the rapid development of Chiefs receiver Jonathan Baldwin has Kansas City's training camp buzzing.
Insight: Dwayne Bowe is holding out, giving Baldwin plenty of reps with Matt Cassel and the first-team offense in training camp. While Kansas City will be a run-heavy team this season, Baldwin will be someone to target late in drafts due to his size, length and athleticism. And if Bowe's holdout carries over into the regular season, Baldwin will move up draft boards rapidly.
Description: According to NFL.com, Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis reported to training camp in "outstanding shape." NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks said Hillis has been running with "the urgency and physicality" that made him successful in Cleveland while also displaying "soft hands and superb receiving skills."
Insight: Kansas City gave an ancient Thomas Jones 245 carries to Jamaal Charles' 230 in 2010 and the team figures to be even more run friendly under new head coach Romeo Crennel. A similar split could produce big dividends for Hillis owners, especially as the Chiefs try to limit Charles as he comes back from a torn ACL.
Description: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (ACL) told the Kansas City Star that "I feel like I got my mojo back."
Insight: Charles produced top-five running back numbers in 2010 (1,935 yards from scrimmage, 8 TDs) before getting injured in Week 2 last year and ruining fantasy teams everywhere. We likely won't see much of him in preseason, so we're going to have to draft him based mostly on hearsay evidence. He'll be a high-risk pick in 2012 because of it and the arrival of Peyton Hillis.
Description: Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis could provide nice value as a late-round draft pick. According to the Kansas City Star, the team is aiming for Hillis and Charles to combine for 500 touches this season.
Insight: Charles' ceiling coming off ACL surgery is likely 240 carries and 40 catches, which leaves 260 touches to Hillis. With that kind of usage, the former Browns starter and Madden cover athlete could exceed 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
Description: Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jackie Battle has signed with San Diego.
Insight: Battle could give veteran Ronnie Brown a run for the backup role behind Ryan Mathews. Since Mathews has yet to play a full 16-game schedule in his first two NFL seasons, determining the backup could be useful down the road. Battle ran for 597 yards and a pair of scores last season.
Description: Kansas City Chiefs wideout Dwayne Bowe will play under the franchise tag in 2012 after the two sides could not agree on a deal by the deadline.
Insight: It's always dangerous to select a player who is unhappy with his contract/team. Just look at the fantasy disaster DeSean Jackson was with Philadelphia last season. That could be Bowe this year. Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware).
