Knile Davis Fantasy Value After Jamaal Charles Injury

Knile Davis has a huge opportunity in the Chiefs offense. (Getty)

Knile Davis has a huge opportunity in the Chiefs offense. (Getty)

We always talk about handcuffing.

It’s an ancient fantasy art. The practice of drafting backups to star running backs is almost mandatory. High price means high risk, and a valuable top running back is more prone to injury than any other position in football.

It’s happened. We hope you’re prepared.

In Sunday’s game between the Chiefs and Bears, Jamaal Charles suffered a non-contact injury while making a cut during the third quarter. Trainers examined his right knee, and took him to the locker room where he was immeidately ruled out for the remainder of the game. Charles has preiouslytorn an ACL, but it was on his left knee.

Next man up. The Chiefs initially turned to Charcandrick West, an undrafted back from Abilene Christian who fought his way onto the roster. But Andy Reid is known to spread the ball around, and also needs top production from his rushers. That’s why Knile David could be a huge fantasy pickup this week.

Davis has something West lacks: proven performance. Davis filled in for Charles last year, and had over 300 yards rushing over three weeks in 2014. Davis has proven to be reliable in the passing game, and has spent his entire career with the Chiefs.

West may get a lot of the waiver-wire attention, but Davis will be the top pickup moving forward.