As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per weekday with our quick-hitting Team Sleepers feature, where we check out the players we think will surprise this year.
Go Deeper: See in-depth projections for every Chiefs player here >>>
This is a weekday series that will stretch through July 30. If you like this and want another, come back the next workday. Another will be here.
Sleepers We Are Targeting on the Chiefs
We asked the Footballguys staff to identify a player they believe will outperform their current draft pice.
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire - 4 votes
- Xavier Worthy - 3 votes
- Travis Kelce - 1 vote
- Rashee Rice - 1 vote
- Jared Wiley - 1 vote
- Noah Gray - 1 vote
- Jaden Hicks - 1 vote
Reasons Clyde Edwards-Helaire Could Be a Sleeper
Ryan Weisse: Clyde Edwards-Helaire. I just can't give up on this guy. With Jerick McKinnon likely out of the way, there could be valuable touches opened up.
Phil Alexander: Clyde Edwards-Helaire might be an Isaiah Pacheco injury away from leading this backfield, and he barely gets drafted.
Bob Harris: Without any notable additions to the running back depth chart, this is your reminder that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is an Isiah Pacheco injury away from a prominent role in what should be one of the NFL's top offenses.
Chad Parsons: Clyde Edwards-Helaire limped back to the Chiefs after exiting initially in free agency. Isiah Pacheco is a ball of fire who continually throws his shoulder into defenders and runs like every carry is his last, but that style comes with a heavy risk of missing action.
Reasons Xavier Worthy Could Be a Sleeper
Jason Wood: Xavier Worthy has the requisite skill set to give Patrick Mahomes II a legitimate outside star again, something the team has longed for since letting Tyreek Hill walk.
Hutchinson Brown: If he is truly the explosive, supreme talent that he was in college, Xavier Worthy could have a massive impact for fantasy with Mahomes. He is my bet to finish the season as the top wide receiver target for the Chiefs.
Julia Papworth: The Chiefs traded up to get Xavier Worthy on draft night, loving his speed and hoping that for the first time in a long time, they could have a true WR1 for Patrick Mahomes II. With a potential suspension on the horizon for Rashee Rice, Worthy has even more chance to demonstrate his ability to be an alpha.
Reasons Travis Kelce Could Be a Sleeper
- Sam Wagman: Somehow, Travis Kelce is an underdog here. Priced at TE2 and currently carrying a late-third round ADP, Kelce might be the safest tight end for fantasy this season.
Reasons Rashee Rice Could Be a Sleeper
- Ben Cummins: Rashee Rice is worth taking on the risk. He's talented and likely will miss less time than the current grey cloud over his name would lead you to believe.
Reasons Jared Wiley Could Be a Sleeper
- Jeff Bell: Rookie tight end Jared Wiley is a deep sleeper here. Redraft relevance is likely pushing the limit, but Noah Gray and Blake Bell combined for over 1,000 snaps in 2023, and Wiley brings much more than either of those players as an athlete and receiver.
Reasons Noah Gray Could Be a Sleeper
- Andy Hicks: Noah Gray is getting to the age where tight ends have been developed and fully embrace their role. With Travis Kelce a decade older and winding down, Gray should make a leap this year.
Reasons Jaden Hicks Could Be a Sleeper
- Kyle Bellefeuil: Jaden Hicks, a fourth-round rookie safety, could be a weapon as a box defender if he carves out a decent role in three safety looks. Hicks is more of a dynasty sleeper, with Justin Reid set to be a UFA in 2025.
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