Week 5 caps off with a primetime showdown in Florida. The Jaguars will host the Chiefs in a matchup that could have postseason implications. At 2-2, Jacksonville has its eyes set on an AFC South title. That quest could hit a speed bump against Kansas City, vying for its fourth straight trip to the Super Bowl.
In this marquee matchup, the stars are obvious. However, are there any under the radar names poised to step up? Here are two Chiefs-Jaguars value plays fantasy football managers should consider in all DFS contests.
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TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars ($4,600)
To the surprise of many, this Jaguars offense hasn’t featured rookie Travis Hunter ($6,600). In addition, second-year pro Brian Thomas Jr. ($10,200) has struggled. So, who has been stepping up for Jacksonville in the passing game? A litany of lesser-known role players, including Brenton Strange. Following Evan Engram’s offseason departure, the tight end has earned a starting role. He’s responded with 19 catches for 182 yards through four games.
Those numbers, while respectable, don’t scream ‘must-start’. However, Strange has commanded 23 targets this season. That’s second on the Jaguars, behind only Thomas Jr. (32). Kansas City’s defense has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends. However, look at who the Chiefs have played to start the season. The Giants, the Chargers, and the Eagles (with Dallas Goedert injured)? None of those teams were ever going to feature their TEs. Last week vs. Baltimore, Mark Andrews managed to snag seven catches. A similar outing for Strange on Monday could deliver solid value.
RB Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs ($3,200)
Finding a sneaky contributor on KC has proven difficult this season. Over the past three seasons, Patrick Mahomes ($10,600) has shown a willingness to spread the ball around. That’s made it difficult to predict which Chiefs will thrive on any given week. That’s especially true at running back, where nobody has taken control of the backfield. Starter Isiah Pacheco ($6,200) has been ineffective, and backup Kareem Hunt ($4,200) hasn’t been any better.
Could someone else emerge as the RB1 in Kansas City? If last week is any indication, Brashard Smith has a puncher’s chance. The rookie only saw the field for 26% of the team’s snaps last week vs. Baltimore. However, he managed to record 36 yards from scrimmage and three catches during that time. The 22-year-old’s work in the passing game all came during the first half against the Ravens. Even as a third-down/two-minute specialist, Smith could be a steal for fantasy football managers.
