Fantasy Fallout: Tyreek Hill can take advantage with Jeremy Maclin out
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Here are the fantasy implications of Kansas City Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin (groin) being ruled out for Week 10:
Andy Reid says Jeremy Maclin and Jaye Howard will be listed as out for Carolina
— Blair Kerkhoff (@BlairKerkhoff) November 11, 2016
Already one of the more disappointing first-half fantasy performers, Maclin's Week 9 got off to an ugly start as a groin injury caused him to exit Kansas City's win over Jacksonville prior to recording a catch.
For now, Maclin should be retained in most fantasy leagues, barring any pressing roster concerns. While the Chiefs don't have an explosive passing attack, Maclin is only a season away from posting a 87-1,008-8 receiving line. He's averaged an identical 12.5 yards per reception to 2015, but was on pace for just 60 catches, 752 yards and four TDs, projections that will be further diminished thanks to his Week 10 absence.
While Maclin will miss a favorable encounter with a Carolina defense that's allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (286) and 17 touchdowns through the air, Kansas City's slate from Week 11 on is favorable, barring two meetings with Denver.
| Week | Opponent | Pass \Def rank | Pass TDs allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | vs. TB | 27 | 18 |
| 12 | at DEN | 1 | 6 |
| 13 | at ATL | 31 | 23 |
| 14 | vs. OAK | 28 | 17 |
| 15 | vs. TEN | 20 | 14 |
| 16 | vs. DEN | 1 | 6 |
Kansas City quarterbacks have had just two outings all season with over 300 yards passing, and only two Chiefs have had 100 receiving yards or more in a single game (RB Spencer Ware in Week 1 and TE Travis Kelce in Week 8). Kelce is entrenched as the team's top target, though he's rarely force-fed the ball.
Including Maclin, Kelce and Ware, the Chiefs have five players with at least 234 receiving yards. Tyreek Hill, a fifth-round pick in the 2016 draft, has scored four of Kansas City's 11 receiving touchdowns, with three having come in the last five games. While they haven't amounted to much yardage, the speedster has also been given eight rush attempts, as the Chiefs look for ways to get the ball in his hands.
He's lined up in the slot on occasion, and has hauled in as many as five receptions in two separate games. Hill offers the most upside of anyone besides Kelce, but still doesn't offer much fantasy potential beyond being a touchdown-dependent FLEX play.
Second-year man Chris Conley has caught just 43 passes for 513 yards and one TD in 24 career games, but he too isn't all that desirable a fantasy option thanks to the offense he's in.
Better options likely exist on the waiver wire, but if Maclin is sidelined for multiple games, Hill has the best chance to emerge as a viable fantasy asset given his explosiveness and Kansas City's friendly schedule.