Jackie Battle: Why Fantasy Owners Need to Add Chiefs' RB from Waiver Wire

The Kansas City Chiefs won their second consecutive game today, downing the lowly Indianapolis Colts 28-24. While quarterback Matt Cassel and his four touchdown passes may have been the hero of the day, a large part of the credit for today's victory lies with running back Jackie Battle.

The fourth-year pro had the best game of his professional career on Sunday, racking up 119 rushing yards on 19 carries and chipping in another 21 yards on three catches. With Jamaal Charles lost for the season and Thomas Jones looking every bit of 33-years-old, Battle staked his claim today to be the lead back in the Kansas City backfield, this year.

This isn't to say that Kansas City possesses a great rushing attack, as they entered the day ranked 14th in the NFL in rushing, at just over 110 yards a game. But Battle provided a spark today that had been sorely lacking from the Chiefs ground game since Jamaal Charles tore his ACL.

The Chiefs have a bye in Week 6, so Battle won't be able to help fantasy football teams out, right away. But much like last week with Washington Redskins' running back Ryan Torain, fantasy owners who are looking to add a running back (and really, who isn't?) will have to "jump the gun" and acquire Battle, now, if they wish to retain his services.

There's an old fantasy football mantra that you can never have too many running backs, and bye weeks, injuries and the nature of the position itself, make it more true today than ever.

Forward thinking fantasy owners that follow that mantra would be well served to put Battle at or near the top of their list of waiver priorities; as it appears he's taken the job of starting tailback in Kansas City and, well...

Run with it.