Getty Gallery: 4/5
150-Max Entry Lineup
– CAPTAIN: Keenan Alen ($16,200)
– Patrick Mahomes ($12,400)
– Philip Rivers ($11,200)
– Demarcus Robinson ($4,600)
– Damien Williams ($4,000)
– Detrez Newsome ($1,600)
In a similar spot to the optimal lineup, you'll need to be prepared to pivot if Melvin Gordon plays. With this being a 150-max lineup, there are quite a few ways to approach the changes, but I'm interested in replacing Detrez Newsome with Charcandrick West if that's the case.
Although West (who didn't play last week), costs just $800, if Spencer Ware is out, there's a very real chance he could have a solid workload alongside Damien Williams. And while using the two Chiefs running backs in the same lineup together seems risky, there's no question this team is capable of putting up huge points. Production from both players is a very realistic possibility.
Obviously, when evaluating a 150-max lineup like this, the risk is understandable and calculated. With West, we're talking about a player who already knows the Chiefs offense and is almost a free space on this slate for that price. He's worth using in big games, although I won't go crazy with playing him here.
On the Newsome front, he's a player I'm incredibly intrigued by for a variety of reasons. He's virtually been a non-factor this year, meaning that all the game log hunters are going to see that and move right along. But if Gordon/Ekeler are both out and it's only Jackson shouldering the load, Newsome will get his chance to shine.
When looking back at Newsome's collegiate career at Western Carolina (per the Washington Post), he showcased the ability to do everything, which bodes well against the Chiefs here. I mentioned previously how Kansas City can be picked apart by running backs both on the ground and through the air. Over Newsome's four seasons in college, he averaged 6.0 yards per carry with 3,728 yards, 109 receptions for 962 yards and 44 offensive touchdowns.
Demarcus Robinson vs. Chris Conley Debate
I'm interested to see what the ownership percentage for Chiefs wideout Demarcus Robinson looks like on this slate. Due to the fact that he's just slightly less expensive than Chris Conley, though, I think most will jump up to Conley.
With that said, last week was somewhat of a breakout for Robinson, and I mean that more from the side of his workload. While playing a part in replacing the injured Sammy Watkins, he ran a season-high 41 routes and played 65 percent of the offensive snaps (per Football Outsiders). Those numbers all bode well, and I believe if Kelvin Benjamin is active, it will only lower Robinson's ownership even more.
The young wideout hauled in 5-of-7 targets last week for 42 yards, and while those numbers won't blow you away, he's been slowly trending up. His increased production played a part in Conley seeing just three targets, catching two fo them for 13 yards. I'll have Robinson as a tournament play and Conley more in a single-entry/cash spot.
Both Chiefs receivers are in play, and I'd prefer them over Benjamin, without question. Even if the former Carolina Panthers/Buffalo Bills wideout does play, it'll almost certainly be limited snaps. Sure, maybe we catch a bad break and Benjamin finds the end zone, but he won't see enough work to justify using.
Rolling along to the single entry/cash lineup, it'll feature a far more balanced, but provides a fair amount of upside also.