Raw Deal for Jamaal Charles | 2010 NFL Fantasy Player Rankings

By season's end it looked like the Chiefs had themselves a great young starting running back in Jamaal Charles. After Larry Johnson was released from the team, Charles ripped off one of the best second half efforts of the 2009 season.

An upgrade at offensive coordinator in Charlie Weis only seemed to strengthen Charles opportunity to shine in fantasy football. Then Charles fantasy stock took a big hit with the recent free agent signing of veteran Thomas Jones.

While Jones is expected to be the backup in this committee, fantasy owners have to prepare for Jones to take a bulk of the touchdown work away at the goal line. Not only that, but his presence will hurt Charles overall yardage numbers for the season.

With this move, Charles is clearly not a first- or an early second-round fantasy pick, as we just don't know how effective he will be with such an established veteran on the team.

Still Productive

With all that said, I still believe Charles is a No. 2 fantasy back in 12-team formats. Charles will make some big-time plays and has a solid par of hands to catch the football out of  the backfield.

Not only, that but the Chiefs get to play in the AFC West and will play the NFC Western division this season. This will give Charles a favorable schedule to run against.

Maybe Charles won't be the ultra stud, fantasy owners hoped he would be in 2010, but he should still be a solid player on your fantasy team.

NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com