Kansas City Chiefs receivers fare poorly in Travis Kelce’s absence

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Many assumed Travis Kelce’s absence from Thursday night’s opener would be a dream for some Chiefs receivers, but instead it turned into a nightmare.

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Kadarius Toney had one carry for minus one yard and one reception for one yard on five targets, four of which he dropped at full speed – including one that went for a game-winning pick-six.

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Skyy Moore played the second-most snaps of any WR in the first half, but while nine other Chiefs scored at least one, Moore failed to do so. During the game, Moore went blank on his three goals while running a four-yard rush. He also had a big catch in the fourth quarter that was called back to keep him on the line.

In all, 11 different Chiefs had a reception without a Kelce. The biggest benefactor was Rashee Rice, who had three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown in his first career game.

Patrick Mahomes scored a respectable 20.5 points without his top target, but certainly could have used Kelce and a few more safe hands out there.

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The roaring backfield of the Lions

After replacing their entire backfield this offseason, there was excitement to see how the Lions would introduce free agent David Montgomery and first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs.

Well, for the first week at least, the veteran seems to be the leader – but don’t write Gibbs off.

Montgomery played 77% of Detroit’s offensive snaps while Gibbs played 27%. Monty had 21 carries for 74 yards and a TD but saw no goal in the passing game.

Gibbs, on the other hand, had nine touches for a total of 60 yards and looked pretty electric.

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Both defensemen should be considered as weekly starting options in fantasy, at least at the FLEX position depending on your roster.

What’s up with KUPP?

It’s never a good sign when a veteran player has to fly across the country to have a nasty injury re-examined, and that’s exactly what happened with Cooper Kupp.

While we all know how great the Rams receiver can be when he suits up, his hamstring injury could now potentially send him to IR and he has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Seattle.

Los Angeles already has a lack of offensive weapons, and that doesn’t sit well with QB Matt Stafford. Watch out for Van Jefferson and TE Tyler Higbee to increase your goals while Kupp is out. Third-grader Tutu Atwell takes a starting position, while Puka Nacua is an option in very deep leagues.

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BY NUMBERS

On Jordan Love’s 37 preseason dropbacks, tight end Luke Musgrave had a route participation of 84% and a target share of 22%. He could have a big role with both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs injured… Carolina’s Jonathan Mingo completed 94% of Bryce Young’s dropbacks in the preseason and could play a big role given Carolina’s injuries WR Corps… Cardinals QB Kyler Murray remains on the PUP list and will be absent for at least the first four weeks.

Want to stream the 2023-24 NFL season live or on-demand? Global Sports streaming service DAZN Works from your smart TV, laptop, mobile phone or tablet.

SIT/START

Geno Smith, QB, SEA vs. LAR start

With the big exception of Aaron Donald, the Rams don’t have much going for them on defense this year.

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Aaron Rodgers, QB, NYJ vs. BUF

Rodgers will be under a lot of pressure in his Jets debut behind a very shaky offensive line.

Start Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA at LAC

The Chargers have had one of the worst run defenses in the league over the last two seasons.

Sit Najee Harris, RB, PIT vs. SF

The 49ers defense ranked second in the league in rushing yards allowed last year and Harris averaged just 3.9 YPC.

Put James Cook, RB, BUF in NYJ

It appears he has been given the starting job, but what his time share and role will be remains to be seen.

Start Jahan Dotson, WR, WAS vs. ARI

With Terry McLaurin slowed by a toe injury, Dotson should be in for a big week against the inferior Cards.

Zay Flowers, WR, BAL vs. HOU

With Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. in the starting lineup, targets early in the season could be rare for the rookie.

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STAT CORNER

The Titans’ leading receiver in 2022 was Robert Woods, who was cut. He had 527 yards, the fourth fewest for a team’s leading receiver in the last 15 years.

ADD THE WEEK

Juwan Johnson, TE, NO

With many fantasy players looking for a Kelce replacement, Johnson was one of the top options left on most waivers.

DROP OF THE WEEK

Greg Dulcich, TE, DEN

Dulcich, a popular sleeper pick, was listed as the second-best TE on the Broncos depth chart behind Adam Trautman.

WAIVER WIRE DEFENSE

Washington commanders

If you’re looking for a quick fix in Week 1, the Commanders have a great defensive line and host a Cardinals team that’s struggling to decide who the starting QB is.

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