I have nothing against QB Alex Smith personally. But I wouldn't want to start him this week, even in 2-QB leagues, and yes, even with 6 teams on bye.
I played in two leagues last year, winning one and losing in the finals in the other. My win came against a guy who had assembled a dream team in all respects--except at QB, where he put his faith in Smith. From weeks 11 to 15, he racked up 4 20+ fantasy point games, including a 5-TD performance in Week 15. In the finals in Week 16, Smith logged 3 turnovers and finished with 4 points. A decent QB could have propelled him to the title.
My opponent's mistake was trusting that Smith's mini offensive explosion would continue. Despite that run, for his career Smith averages less than 1.2 TDs per game. That's worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, and (WTF?) Mark Sanchez. You read that right: the Jets' "bust" pick of Mark Sanchez has proved more efficient/effective from a TD perspective than the Chiefs' overrated QB.
This week Smith will play on the road against a Bills team that has yielded the 9th fewest passing yards and 4th fewest TDs while forcing the 2nd most turnovers--including the 2nd most INTs. Sure, Smith might have an unexpectedly amazing day, and the Bills might unexpectedly self-destruct. But fantasy success is about predicting what's *likely* to happen. And what's likely is that this is not Smith's week.
If you can trade him to someone--especially a Chiefs fan--who can give you a flex player in return, go for it. There are about 20 other QBs I'd rather start every week over Smith.
Again, nothing personal. But it's about winning.
I played in two leagues last year, winning one and losing in the finals in the other. My win came against a guy who had assembled a dream team in all respects--except at QB, where he put his faith in Smith. From weeks 11 to 15, he racked up 4 20+ fantasy point games, including a 5-TD performance in Week 15. In the finals in Week 16, Smith logged 3 turnovers and finished with 4 points. A decent QB could have propelled him to the title.
My opponent's mistake was trusting that Smith's mini offensive explosion would continue. Despite that run, for his career Smith averages less than 1.2 TDs per game. That's worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, and (WTF?) Mark Sanchez. You read that right: the Jets' "bust" pick of Mark Sanchez has proved more efficient/effective from a TD perspective than the Chiefs' overrated QB.
This week Smith will play on the road against a Bills team that has yielded the 9th fewest passing yards and 4th fewest TDs while forcing the 2nd most turnovers--including the 2nd most INTs. Sure, Smith might have an unexpectedly amazing day, and the Bills might unexpectedly self-destruct. But fantasy success is about predicting what's *likely* to happen. And what's likely is that this is not Smith's week.
If you can trade him to someone--especially a Chiefs fan--who can give you a flex player in return, go for it. There are about 20 other QBs I'd rather start every week over Smith.
Again, nothing personal. But it's about winning.