Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

July 2, 2010 @ 09:00:00

By Ryan R. Bonini
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Jamaal Charles | Kansas City Chiefs | 5-foot-11, 199 pounds | 3rd year

2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Run Att		Run Yds		Run TD		Rec		Rec Yds		Rec TD		Tot TD
Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi	Lo	Hi
229	269	1367	1517	6	8	46	52	443	501	1	3	7	11

Pros: Charles took over the starting duties in Week 9 and reeled off five 100-yard rushing games during the second half of the season, including a 259-yard showing during a Week 17 rout of the Denver Broncos. Despite defenses knowing he was the only option late in the year, Charles still clicked at 5.9 yards per attempt. He is lightning quick and shifty, which makes it difficult for defenders to square up and provide a solid lick. Charles is also a suitable receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 67 passes in two years, including 40 last season.

Cons: Charles may be lightning in a bottle, but the Chiefs apparently weren't completely sold on him as a feature back. During the offseason they added some thunder to the backfield with the addition of Thomas Jones, who has five consecutive 1,100-plus campaigns under his belt. Ladies and gentlemen, the committee approach has landed in KC. Jones is coming off a career-best 1,402 yards rushing and has a chip on his shoulder after the New York Jets bid him adieu. He will be a factor. The Chiefs also drafted speedy Dexter McCluster, who is shifting to wide receiver. McCluster will likely swipe some of the receptions Charles would have been in line for. Plus, four of his seven rushing touchdowns came from beyond 40 yards last year ... that will be tough to replicate.

Fantasy tip: Don't get too caught up or mesmerized by last year's production; it was a perfect storm for Charles and a lot of things have changed. On average, he is coming off the fantasy football draft board during the latter portion of the second round, which is a severe reach for him. His numbers will be inconsistent, which will make playing him weekly a frustrating endeavor. If you want him, take him as your No. 3 fantasy back if he falls far enough; otherwise let him become someone else's headache.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

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1

Josh, at 03:14 on 07/14/10, says: But look at Charles' schedule. Not only does he get the weak AFC West in terms of run defense, he gets the even weaker NFC West. Not one team on their schedule is a top notch run stopping team. Charles should again have a solid year.

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Ryan R. Bonini

Founding KFFL in 1996, Bonini serves as KFFL's General Manager and VP of technology for KFFL's parent company, USA TODAY SPORTS Media Group. Bonini was named the 2009 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the FSWA and received honors with the Best Fantasy Football Series in '10, making him the first two-time FSWA football award winner.

His work has been found in USA Today, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com, and many others. He has also been featured on numerous radio programs around the country. Bonini is a member of the PFWA, FSWA and FSTA.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanbonini

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