The Buffalo Bills decided to trade back with the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a head-scratching move as the Chiefs have had the Bills’ number in the postseason and Buffalo allowed KC to move up and select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The Longhorn not only made an impact in the Big 12, but went viral at the NFL Combine for breaking the record for the 40-yard dash, running a 4.21.
Kansas City Chiefs, WR, Xavier Worthy fantasy football outlook
While it felt like he didn’t catch the mainstream audience until this past year, Worthy broke out as a freshman in 2021. He played in 12 games and had 981 yards with 12 touchdowns. Overall in 39 games at Texas, Worthy had 2,755 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.
Xavier Worthy’s supporting cast
Worthy has the best landing spot that a wide receiver can ask for. He will be playing for head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes who have won back-to-back Super Bowls. Starting wide receiver Rashee Rice has had some off-the-field issues this offseason and if he were to miss any time, Worthy could step up in the offense and make up for it. The Chiefs did bring in free agent wide receiver Marquise Brown and still have star tight end Travis Kelce. Worthy may have to fight for targets as a rookie, but really, he is all upside as long as Mahomes is healthy and throwing him the ball.
Where should Xavier Worthy rank among WRs in fantasy football?
Worthy was the fifth wide receiver taken in the draft behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Brian Thomas Jr. The crowded wide receiver room is a short-term concern, but Mahomes is a difference maker and long-term Worthy likely has just as much upside as any of the other receivers in this class.
Worthy could be a late-round draft pick for redraft leagues if Rice sees a long-term suspension from the NFL for his off-the-field issues. If Rice plays the entire season, I’d have Worthy as a wideout to track on the waiver wire. For dynasty leagues, Worthy should be a first-round pick. Harrison Jr., Odunze and Nabers should go ahead of him, but Worthy should still go in the first.