Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 4th, at 4:25 PM EST
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Betting Odds: KC -2.5, 52.2. total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (Start, QB1)
There isn’t much to say other than fire up Patrick Mahomes in what should be a shootout of epic proportions this week against the Bengals. Mahomes owns a 29:8 passing touchdown to interception ratio, and is the clear and consensus QB1 this fantasy season per FantasyData.
Running Backs
Isiah Pacheco (Start, RB2), Ronald Jones II (Sit), Jerick McKinnon (Sit)
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire placed on IR last week, Isiah Pacheco attempted to take advantage of the opportunity. He carried the ball 22 times but only managed to gain 69 yards, and a rushing touchdown that ultimately saved his fantasy day. The likes of Ronald Jones II and Jerick McKinnon didn’t get in Pacheco’s way much, at least not enough to earn fantasy relevancy this week. Peg Pacheco to be an RB2 who could very much fizzle this week against a Bengals defense allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points to his position this season. It doesn’t help that Melvin Gordon III signed to the Chiefs practice squad this week; though at the time of writing, it’s unclear if he will get the call for this one.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Start, WR2), Skyy Moore (Sit) Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Sit), Travis Kelce (Start, TE1)
JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to action last week after a concussion kept him out in Week 11, although he wasn’t much of a factor. He caught all three of his targets for 38 scoreless yards, but should see his target share uptick this week. The Bengals’ defense is no slouch though, allowing the sixth-fewest points to wide receivers on the year. Both Skyy Moore – despite his playing time increasing with Kadarius Toney considered day-to-day with his hamstring injury – and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are not fantasy relevant on the weekly. Like Mahomes, there is nothing else to say other than be thankful you have Travis Kelce to start each and every week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow (Start, QB1)
Similar to Mahomes, Joe Burrow is firmly cemented as a QB1 this week. He ranks as the QB4 on the season according to FantasyData and holds a 23:8 passing touchdown to interception ratio. He’s coming off a win against the Titans where he completed 22 of 37 attempts for 270 yards, one touchdown, and nine carries that went for 32 yards. This box score was good for 22.7 fantasy points. He’s set to face a Chiefs defense allowing the eighth most fantasy points to QBs this season.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon (Start if active, RB1), Samaje Perine (Start only if Mixon is inactive, RB2)
Joe Mixon missed Week 12 with a concussion, which allowed Samaje Perine to turn 17 carries into 58 yards and a touchdown, adding four receptions for 35 yards. The reality is, if Mixon is inactive, Perine retains his value as an RB2. However, sources suggest Mixon is trending towards a return this week (despite head coach Zac Taylor mentioning on Monday that he was still in the protocol). Surely you’ll need to monitor his practice status this week, and plan accordingly. For either back, the matchup this week is against a Kansas City defense allowing the 13th most fantasy points to running backs.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Ja’Marr Chase (Start, WR1), Tee Higgins (Start, WR2 with WR1 upside), Tyler Boyd (Sit), Hayden Hurst (Sit)
He’s back – we think. Ja’Marr Chase appeared close to returning last week but ultimately missed his fourth game in a row. Early reports suggest Chase is set to return, and in a pivotal matchup, one would think he’s ready to roll. Certainly check in on his practice reps this week, as it should tell whether or not he’s a full-go or will be limited. If he’s active, start him with confidence. A Chase return knocks down Tee Higgins a bit, but he still possesses WR1 upside on the weekly. For both receivers, the matchup is juicy, as the Chiefs are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs. Tyler Boyd can be left on your bench, and Hayden Hurst will certainly lose targets with Chase back. If you are in a TE bind still this late into the season, consider him a TE2, but you have probably looked elsewhere by now.
Thought on Pats DST this week over Minnesota? Could be 4-5 sacks and a couple TO’s no?
I’m sitting the Pats D against Buffalo. I would rather play Minn
got to start one if Fields can’t go – Marcus Mariota or Kenny Pickett
They are so close. I will go with Pickett. Pitts D is giving up the fewest points to quarterbacks while ATL is giving up the 10th most. Both Qbs have some rushing upside. Pickett has 265 passing attempts and Mariota has 276 yet he has played 11 games and Pickett had played 8 but really only 7, higher volume for Pickett and better matchup
You have Davante listed as a WR2 but describe him as a high-end WR1. Which one is it?
He should be a WR1. I updated the article