The Kansas City Chiefs won yet another Super Bowl last year on the back of Patrick Mahomes and Steve Spanuola’s defense. But, one the biggest pieces of that run was their rookie wide receiver, who led all KC pass catchers in total fantasy points. The team has added two possible starting wide receivers, which should shake things up, but unfortunately, the rookie made some rookie mistakes this off-season and could be up for a suspension. So, should you draft Rashee Rice in fantasy football this year?
Should You Draft Rashee Rice?
- Yahoo ADP: Overall 86, WR38
- Our Rank: Overall 75, WR35 half point ppr
The biggest impediment to Rice putting up good numbers this season is a possible suspension due to his off-field legal trouble. So far, the news has been slow regarding his high-speed car accident. That may be good news, as the longer the legal process takes, the better Rice’s chances to avoid a suspension this season. Unfortunately, we just dont have very good intel on the situation. At this point I’m putting it at 50-50 for Rice to receive a suspension around 2-6 weeks for this season.
The risk is there to be sure, but there is also a ton of upside with that risk. His ADP has some sort of suspension baked in, so if he were to avoid one this year, he would almost assuredly be a strong value play for your fantasy team. If he does miss a limited amount of time, you’re still okay if he can put up good numbers, while a longer stint away from the team would hurt.
As far as actual football goes Rice was eased into the offense as a rookie last season, as Andy Reid likes to do. The good news is that he was too good to keep off the field and ended up playing in two wide receiver sets as well as in the slot during three wide receiver sets. That is exactly how you want your fantasy wide receiver used, as it is quite rare and productive.
Hollywood Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy will also compete for snaps targets, but we should see Rice stick to his role of last season when he’s available. That’s enough for me to expect strong usage this season.
The Bottom Line
- I like Diontae Johnson, Calvin Ridley and Chris Godwin ahead of Rice him due to the threat of a suspension.
- I would draft Rice ahead of WRs like Jordan Addison, Xavier Worthy, and Rome Odunze.
I like Rice quite a bit this year, but like everyone else, I need to bake in a possible suspension. Thankfully ADP has him very close to where I would take him in drafts. I like Diontae Johnson, Calvin Ridley, and Chris Godwin ahead of him due to the threat of a suspension, but I am fine taking him ahead of Jordan Addison, Xavier Worthy, and Rome Odunze.
