Kansas City 2020 Fantasy Outlook: Quarterback

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a very successful offseason, at least in the way of the offensive side of the ball. Not a single starter was lost, while a bit of depth was added along the way. The biggest surprise on that front, perhaps, is the resigning of both Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson. I think the majority of people thought at least one of those guys would be playing for a new team in 2020.

Along with those two, the Chiefs added a bit more firepower in the draft. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, along with some help in the trenches, should play a major factor for this Chief offense. In this series, I will be discussing how these signings and additions affect the players themselves, as well as those around them. I will discuss real life affects, but mostly focus on the fantasy side of the spectrum. First up, the Super Bowl MVP.

• 2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins
• This Or That: Draft Wide Receiver Round 1 Or Later?
• 2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney
• This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?
• Staying Or Going: Chiefs 2021 Pending Free Agents

All Smiles

Patrick Mahomes may very well be the happiest person in Kansas City. Not only is he celebrating a Super Bowl victory, he also goes into 2020 with even more weapons than he had in 2019. Bringing back Watkins and Robinson is a major bonus for this offense. Watkins accounted for nearly 700 yards and three touchdowns, while hauling in five or more balls in six of his 14 games. Robinson added another 450 yards and four scores. They are two guys that Mahomes trusts and will be welcomed back with open arms. As far as the draft goes, well, I think Kansas City got a good one.

Rookie Impact

Edwards-Helaire looks to be a perfect fit for an Andy Reid offense. He was an elite rusher in his final year at LSU. He ran for 1,414 yards, 16 touchdowns and a jaw-dropping 6.6 yards per carry. To put that last number into perspective, Jamaal Charles holds the NFL record for highest career YPC by a running back. Charles’ career number is 5.4. Needless to say, he was impressive on the ground. What makes him a great fit for this offense, however, is his prowess in the passing game.

Edwards-Helaire caught 55 passes for 453 yards and a touchdown in his final year in college. His 55 receptions were tied for second among running backs in the entire FBS. He also shared the field with Justin Jefferson (first round pick in this year’s draft), Ja’Marr Chase (projected top 5 pick in next year’s draft), and Thaddeus Moss (signed as an undrafted free agent). Mahomes told the front office that he wanted CEH, and they delivered. He thrived with the best quarterback in the best offense in college football, now he’ll get a chance to do the same with the best quarterback in the best offense in the NFL.

Best In The Game?

As if those pieces weren’t enough, Mahomes also has a top 10 receiver, a top two tight end, and an electric second-year receiver at his disposal. Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman join Watkins, Robinson, and CEH to form the most potent offense in the NFL, and I haven’t even mentioned Super Bowl hero Damien Williams (but I’ll save him for the running back piece). Add in the best gunslinger in the NFL, and it almost seems unfair to other teams. Mahomes should have no problem putting up big numbers for the third straight season. Last year we saw more of the realistic expectations for Mahomes (compared to the enigmatic first season). I expect about the same levels of production (4,500 yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs is my base projection). I will once again have him ranked as my top quarterback in fantasy football.