Dwayne Bowe: Banged-Up Chiefs WR Still a Reliable Fantasy Starter in Week 4

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is still a dependable starter for fantasy football owners this weekend despite his bumps and bruises.

The veteran is listed as questionable for Week 4 against the San Diego Chargers because of an injured thigh, but is expected to start according to the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher via Twitter:

"

Looks to me like Bowe and Breaston are ready to go. Tougher calls on McCluster and Dorsey. They may be Sunday a.m. decisions

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) September 28, 2012"

Bowe has surpassed 1,100 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons and exploded for 15 receiving touchdowns two years ago. Bowe has 18 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns through three games in 2012.

In short, Bowe is living up to the hype and putting smiles on the faces of happy owners all across fantasy football leagues. 

The six-year NFL vet is averaging six receptions for 78 yards and slightly less than one touchdown per game this fall, which bodes well for those who have him on their roster. Another good sign for Bowe owners in Week 4 is that the Chiefs are going up against the Chargers at home.

Why is that important?

Because San Diego has been mediocre at best defending the pass this season. The Chargers rank 16th in the NFL in terms of receiving yards allowed per week, 248.7. They also rank 15th in passing touchdowns allowed this season, five in three games.

Look for Bowe to exploit San Diego's secondary at Arrowhead on Sunday afternoon. He will certainly be targeted plenty by quarterback Matt Cassel. Consider this: Cassel has targeted Bowe 37 times in three games this season. Therefore, the former LSU Tiger is being targeted 31 percent of the time when Cassel drops back this year.

The best way to look at it is like this: Every time the Chiefs drop back to throw in 2012, there is a one in three chance that they are trying to get the ball to Bowe. Those are tremendous odds for a fantasy owner, and make Bowe a must-start week after week.

Injured or healthy, Bowe is a big-time offensive weapon for the Chiefs. He is the lynchpin  of Kansas City's aerial assault and will continue to shine for lucky fantasy owners this weekend against San Diego.

Week 4 Projection: 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more Fantasy Football projections, breakdown and analysis.