Single Entry/Cash Lineup
– Captain: Damien Williams ($10,500) – Russell Wilson ($10,400) – Chris Carson ($9,000) – Tyler Lockett ($8,200) – Doug Baldwin ($7,800) – Sebastian Janikowski ($3,200) There was a bit of a different thought process when it came to building the single entry lineup. Although I don't believe the Chiefs just come out and completely roll over the Seahawks, there is a world where I see Seattle playing from behind a decent amount. And if that proves to be the case, I like loading up on Seahawks. A smart way to create a safe lineup that often times gets overlooked will involve focusing a bit more heavily on one team. And although this one has four Seahawks players in it, one of them is Sebastian Janikowski. Many DFS players hate the idea of using kickers in showdown games, but I'm a big believer in targeting big-legged kickers in high-scoring games. Janikowski could easily see a handful of field goal opportunities with a few of them being long. If this game comes anywhere near the projected total, he'll clear double-digit DraftKings points with a decent amount of ease. The triple stack in the passing game of Russell Wilson with Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett is a great spot if we wind up seeing the Chiefs jump out to lead. But even if they do, Chris Carson will receive a decent workload. As far as the receiver matchups go, the Chiefs have allowed 2,402 yards and 13 touchdowns this season to opposing wideouts. Baldwin, who seems to be healthy now, paired with the explosive Lockett should both see fairly heavy workloads and provide a solid amount of upside as well. Lockett is a bit riskier than Baldwin, but neither one scares me in this matchup.Flipping the script over to the other side of the ball is a player who I've used often and will have quite a bit of in Chiefs running back Damien Williams. While the Seahawks have been fine against running backs this year, I'm not terrified of the matchup by any means, and with Spencer Ware out, this is an appealing situation. To this point in the season, Seattle has allowed 1,202 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. One spot where Williams should be able to thrive is as a pass-catcher. Considering the Seahawks have given up 88 receptions for 824 yards and five scores on the year to opposing running backs, it's a plus-matchup. Tack on the fact that Williams is primed to see a heavy workload, and there's no reason to shy away from the Chiefs new starter. I'll have him in a decent amount of lineups and his price only helps to fit in a few of the other key names worth targeting. READ NEXT: Vikings Playoff Chances: Updated Outlook After Week 16 Win
If you were able to pick up Spencer Ware in fantasy football following the Kansas City Chiefs’ release of Kareem Hunt, here’s to hoping you have a high waiver priority in Week 15. Following the latest bit of news coming out on Ware’s injury, there may be a need to add his back up, Damien Williams ahead of Thursday’s game. And hopefully, he’s still available on the wire.
As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, Ware missed his second consecutive practice on Tuesday, leaving his status for a primetime game against the Los Angeles Chargers in doubt.
For the second straight day, Chiefs RB Spencer Ware did not practice. If you’re still rolling in the playoffs, get that waiver claim for Damien Williams in now.
Even if you don’t wind up starting Williams this week, at least adding him for the sake of having him on the roster for beyond this game makes a lot of sense. The Chiefs are welcoming a Chargers team looking to create a tie atop the AFC West on Thursday Night Football. Unfortunately, it seems the short week could hurt Ware’s potential to suit up.
Update
As BJ Kissel of the team revealed, the decision was made to list Ware as doubtful for the game. The running back missed his third consecutive practice on Wednesday and it seems likely he’ll sit this game out. Just prior to kickoff, it was revealed that Ware will indeed sit this game out.
Damien Williams’ Fantasy Outlook
While Williams was unable to get much going in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, who boast a strong run defense, he did find the end zone twice (once as a receiver). He also caught four passes in the process, which adds to his value in point-per-reception leagues. Prior to last game, Williams turned five carries into 38 yards against the Oakland Raiders, showing some amount of upside in a better matchup.
It’s also worth noting that Williams actually out-snapped Ware last week, totaling 43 plays to the 41 of his backfield mate, per Football Outsiders. The injury may have had something to do with that, though. Third-string running back Darrel Williams played just two snaps against the Ravens and seems unlikely to threaten the workload.
One interesting topic will be recently-signed Charcandrick West, though. Although West wasn’t in the mix last game, he could be worth monitoring moving forward if Ware misses time. But regardless, Williams has the edge on both of his current backups and will get the first crack at the Chargers if Ware is ruled out.
Matchup & Start/Sit Debate
While we can’t make a final call until at least Wednesday and more than likely Thursday, there is a lot to like about Williams’ matchup here. The Chargers have allowed 1,119 yards on 263 carries and nine touchdowns to opposing running backs. Equally as important, they’ve given up 81 receptions for 754 yards and two scores through the air to the position.
This bodes incredibly well for Williams, especially considering the fact that we could see both teams put up quite a few points here. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense have looked nearly unstoppable to this point. If Williams’ snap count jumps, he’s going to have opportunities to produce both on the ground and through the air.
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Damien Williams Fantasy: Impact of Spencer Ware News on Chiefs RB