Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles Is an Elite Fantasy RB Option

In 2010, Jamaal Charles ranked second in the league in rushing. Charles was successful in accomplishing this feat when all odds were against him after Thomas Jones received 15 more hand-offs than him on the team.

Charles finished the season with 1,467 rushing yards and five touchdowns off of 230 carries last season.

With a more challenging schedule and the departure of five-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Brian Waters, Charles is still worth taking in the first round in your fantasy football league.

This past offseason, Scott Pioli recruited ex-Ravens fullback Le’Ron McClain, who helped Ray Rice put up high fantasy numbers among all running backs in 2009 and 2010.

McClain will be part of an already dynamic rushing team that placed first in the league and it can only get better with his presence.

Fantasy football owners should not be concerned if Haley and the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff decide to give Jones more carries in 2011. Charles managed to help his owners last season in finishing third among all running backs in total fantasy points.

If Haley comes to his senses and feeds the ball to Charles, he could be your opponent’s biggest nightmare in fantasy matchups.

Last season, Charles went up against two teams (including Baltimore in the postseason) that finished in the top 10 against the run. This year, Charles will be going up against six teams that finished in the top 10 against the run in 2010.

Even though the defending AFC West champions don’t have the easy schedule they had last year, there are still a lot of opportunities for Charles to accumulate a lot of points for your fantasy football team this season.

Here are some weeks in which you should consider starting Charles if you have him on your squad and want to collect as many points possible.

Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills struggled all season stopping the run and ranked last in the league. Charles had his best rushing game against the Bills as he amassed 177 yards on the ground off of 22 carries. He also caught four passes for 61 yards.

Week 2 at Detroit Lions

Charles has a great chance to get off to a great start in 2011 after facing a 24th ranked Lions rush defense in Week 2. The Chiefs will make Charles a big part of their plan in helping them win their first two games by running the ball.

Week 5 at Indianapolis Colts

Last season, Charles ran the ball 16 times and ran for 87 yards against the Colts in a low-scoring contest. The Colts finished 25th against the run last season.

Week 8 vs. San Diego Chargers

Last time the Chiefs played the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Charles got the Chiefs started with a 56-yard touchdown run. Although the Chargers finished fourth against the run last year, Charles is capable of burning them at home.

Week 10 vs. Denver Broncos

Charles had a spectacular game against the Broncos at home in Week 13 of last season as he rushed for 116 yards off of 21 carries.

Week 16 vs. Oakland Raiders

 From the point of view of a fantasy football owner, Charles had a better game against the 29th ranked rush defense at home as opposed to the game he had against the Raiders on the road.

Week 17 at Denver Broncos

Last time the two teams played in Week 17 was in 2010 (the 2009 season) in which Charles lit up the Broncos by corralling 259 yards and two touchdowns off of 25 carries. The Chiefs are 6-0 all-time against the Broncos in previous regular season finales.