Fantasy football owners were in a bit of a pickle recently when they were forced to decide between two successful Kansas City Chiefs running backs. Since star Jamaal Charles went down with an injury earlier this season, Charcandrick West (great name) has emerged as a solid contributor. The second-year pro had a nice four game stretch earlier this year in which he scored four touchdowns and topped 100-total yards three times. But a minor injury sidelined him after that, allowing fellow sophomore ball-carrier Spencer Ware to emerge. In two games as the starter, Ware scored three times and topped 100 total yards in both games.
Talk about a conundrum. Entering Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders, owners were unsure which player to go with. We advised you to stick with West, but it's understandable if you were on the fence. Fortunately, Sunday's game gave owners some clarity on the situation.
"Returning from injury on Sunday, Charcandrick West reclaimed his gig as Kansas City's lead back," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "West carried the ball only nine times for 35 yards, but he was on the field for 31 plays. Spencer Ware scored a touchdown but carried the ball seven times for 26 yards and played 17 snaps. Although Ware stole goal-line work, West was on the field for 21 of the team's 29 pass plays. With the slumping Chargers on deck, West will be a quality RB2 and Ware a flex option in Week 14."
There ya go, West over Ware as a starter. But, as Clay mentioned, both RBs have a shot to produce this week.
The Chargers run defense ranks just 26th in rushing yards allowed per game (124.6), 29th in rushing touchdowns (12) and 30th in yards per carry (4.7). San Diego has allowed at least 100 total rushing yards or a score on the ground in every game this season. Overall, the team is surrendering an average of 20.8 fantasy points to opposing running backs per week, the fourth-highest mark in the league.
West should have a big day and Ware has the opportunity to contribute as well.