One more word about Alex Smith, because right or wrong, I want to go on the record with an unusual prediction: Smith will be benched by Week 15.
I write this from a fantasy perspective in case anyone's starting him regularly in 2-QB leagues, as well as from a Dynasty perspective if someone landed him on the cheap as a streaming QB for 2015.
The Chiefs are currently 5-3 and squarely positioned as a frontrunner for a playoff spot. But their next 5 games comprise arguably the toughest current stretch in the league:
10 - @ Bills
11 - Seahawks
12 - @ Raiders
13 - Broncos
14 - @ Cardinals
It's entirely conceivable that Kansas City will win only one game--vs. Oakland--though it won't be as easy as their records suggest. That would place them at 6-7 and out of the playoffs. With nothing to play for, they would give backup Chase Daniel a shot in Week 15. Ridiculous? Maybe. But ridiculous works for me when it makes some sense. Daniel looked very good in Week 17 last year vs. the Chargers, completing 21 of 30 passes for 200 yards and a TD. And he was playing without Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. I think he'll get another shot before the season's up, and under different circumstances than in 2013 when the Chiefs rested their players in advance of the playoffs.
If I'm wrong, you all can give me a hard time. Hell, throw it at me now. KC just signed Smith to a long-term contract. Why would they bail on him so soon?
My answer: the Chiefs are close to being a very good team, with an elite running game and solid D. The next few games will expose Smith as "a guy who isn't the right fit in Kansas City."
But like I said, I welcome your comments. Beyond that, I'll try to post something that isn't about Alex Smith shortly.
I write this from a fantasy perspective in case anyone's starting him regularly in 2-QB leagues, as well as from a Dynasty perspective if someone landed him on the cheap as a streaming QB for 2015.
The Chiefs are currently 5-3 and squarely positioned as a frontrunner for a playoff spot. But their next 5 games comprise arguably the toughest current stretch in the league:
10 - @ Bills
11 - Seahawks
12 - @ Raiders
13 - Broncos
14 - @ Cardinals
It's entirely conceivable that Kansas City will win only one game--vs. Oakland--though it won't be as easy as their records suggest. That would place them at 6-7 and out of the playoffs. With nothing to play for, they would give backup Chase Daniel a shot in Week 15. Ridiculous? Maybe. But ridiculous works for me when it makes some sense. Daniel looked very good in Week 17 last year vs. the Chargers, completing 21 of 30 passes for 200 yards and a TD. And he was playing without Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. I think he'll get another shot before the season's up, and under different circumstances than in 2013 when the Chiefs rested their players in advance of the playoffs.
If I'm wrong, you all can give me a hard time. Hell, throw it at me now. KC just signed Smith to a long-term contract. Why would they bail on him so soon?
My answer: the Chiefs are close to being a very good team, with an elite running game and solid D. The next few games will expose Smith as "a guy who isn't the right fit in Kansas City."
But like I said, I welcome your comments. Beyond that, I'll try to post something that isn't about Alex Smith shortly.