If you sat down and watched a Kansas City Chiefs game last season, you likely concluded that the Chiefs were lacking in the wide receiver department. Even the most casual NFL fan could identify their receiving corps as a liability. This becomes even more apparent when you realize that the Chiefs led the league in drops, allowing 44 passes to hit the turf last season.
It's a minor miracle that Patrick Mahomes took this team to a Super Bowl with a receiver room that consisted of Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Justin Watson. This just further solidifies Mahomes' case for being the best quarterback... since Tom Brady.
The Chiefs' front office realized they needed to address the position if they wished to continue on their quest to establish a full-blown dynasty. Perhaps the Chiefs are already a dynasty, but that's a conversation for another day.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
In order to alleviate their problems at wide receiver, the Chiefs signed Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in free agency and added Xavier Worthy in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. This duo, paired with Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce, makes up a formidable arsenal of weapons for Mahomes.
With this many intriguing names in Kansas City, it can be difficult to parse through the fantasy value of each. But there's no need to worry, we've got you covered.
2024 PPR RANKINGS
Top 250 Overall | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Chiefs Fantasy Football Outlook 2024: Which Kansas City WR should you draft?
Rashee Rice fantasy outlook 2024
Rashee Rice came out of the gates slowly in his rookie year, but when he was finally granted a full-time role, he thrived. Rice was simply held back by a lack of playing time early in the year; he didn't clear a 60-percent snap share until Week 7.
From Week 7 on, Rice was the go-to receiver for the Chiefs and racked up fantasy points as a result. He was the per-game WR13 during this stretch, averaging 15.5 PPG. His peripheral metrics were also great for a rookie. Rice posted 2.48 yards per route run and saw a target on 26 percent of his routes during this same 11-game span.
Heading into this season, it looked like Rice would be firmly among the WR2 ranks in fantasy drafts. But the optimism surrounding Rice was dampened by off-field issues. For much of the offseason, it seemed that Rice would face a lengthy suspension.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | WR | TE | Each Team
But as the offseason has worn on, analysis from those with legal knowledge now indicates that Rice may avoid suspension completely or have it pushed back to the 2025 season. It's unlikely that you'll be able to draft with 100-percent clarity on Rice's situation, but at this point, managers should draft with the mindset that Rice will play all 17 games. With that mentality, Rice could be drafted anywhere in Round 4 or later of fantasy drafts.
Marquise Brown fantasy outlook 2024
Much like Rice, Hollywood Brown's fantasy outlook has a bit of complexity. After signing with the Chiefs in free agency, it appeared that Brown would work the intermediate and deep portions of the field to complement Rice, who is a true technician in the shallow third.
Two wrenches were thrown into this plan. First, the Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy who is the fastest man to ever enter the NFL (based on his 40-time). His ability to take the top off a defense hurts Brown's prospects of being the primary deep threat. Next, Brown sustained a rather serious injury in the Chiefs' preseason opener. He suffered a sternoclavicular joint (shoulder) dislocation which will sideline him for a month-plus. On top of his Week 1 status being in jeopardy, Brown will miss out on valuable preseason reps in a new offense.
2024 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (PPR & STANDARD)
Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
There will be a spot in the starting lineup for Brown when he's healthy. But he is the least appealing option of the Chiefs' WR trio. He has never been a significant difference-maker in fantasy; his best season saw him rank as the WR21 in points per game. There's a chance that playing with Mahomes elevates his production, but it seems best to invest in this offense through other players.
Xavier Worthy fantasy outlook 2024
The Chiefs have been in search of their Tyreek Hill replacement since he was traded two years ago. They tried their luck with Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore, but neither provided steady production.
They may have finally found their solution with former University of Texas receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy ran a 4.21 40-yard dash, breaking the NFL Combine record previously held by John Ross. But Worthy isn't just a speed demon, he is a legitimately talented route runner and all-around receiver.
It appears that Andy Reid and Mahomes have big plans in store for Worthy in his rookie year. He has been a starter throughout the preseason and has been an offensive focal point in these games. When Week 1 rolls around, expect Worthy to trot out there with the starters and make an impact from day one.
2024 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY
QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
Worthy will by no means be a one-to-one replacement for Tyreek Hill. But it seems like the Chiefs finally have a downfield burner who is also actually talented, unlike Moore and Hardman. Worthy's speed, Mahomes' talent, and Reid's play-calling will lead to some very fun Sundays for those who roster Worthy this season.
The Verdict: Which Chiefs WR should you draft?
It may sound like a bit of a workaround, but the answer is: it depends. The two top targets from this offense should undoubtedly be Rice and Worthy. But it all comes down to how your leaguemates interpret the situation surrounding Rice.
If they are not the most in tune with the NFL news cycle, it's possible to see Rice slip into Round 6 or 7. If he's available in Round 5 or later, Rice becomes the best value among the trio. But if Rice goes where he should (sometime in Round 4), and you weren't able to grab him, it's time to pivot and grab Worthy, who is currently available in Round 8.