After losing four consecutive games, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) have been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014. As a result, Kansas City will be looking to play spoiler against its AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos (12-3), on Christmas night.
For Thursday’s 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Prime Video, leading Chiefs WR Rashee Rice will miss his second consecutive game due to a concussion. How does the injury impact Rice’s projections at PrizePicks and Kansas City’s immediate fantasy football outlook?
Let's take a closer look at a Rashee Rice injury update and what it could mean for the Chiefs in Week 17.
Rashee Rice Injury Update: Will Chiefs WR Play on Christmas Day vs. Broncos?
Rice seemingly suffered his injury at the end of Week 15’s 16-13 loss against the Chargers. He did not practice ahead of Week 16’s bout with the Titans after self-reporting concussion symptoms, missing his first game since Week 6.
Ahead of Christmas night’s bout with the Broncos, Rice didn't practice. Kansas City’s top target is being placed on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss his second straight game.
The offense needed all the help it could get against an elite Denver defense that allows only 19.7 points per game (fifth). With Rice out another week, how might it impact the Chiefs’ outlook for fantasy football championship week?
Chiefs’ Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 17 vs. Broncos
Since returning from suspension in Week 7, Rice averaged 9.8 targets, 6.6 receptions, 71.4 receiving yards, and 0.6 TDs per game. According to FantasyPros, the former SMU Mustang leads Kansas City with 18.8 fantasy PPG in full-PPR leagues, ranking fifth among WRs. Furthermore, PlayerProfiler credits Rice with a 30.2% target rate (seventh).
When Kansas City’s top option was out from Weeks 4 to 6, Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy averaged 12.9 fantasy PPG and logged season-high target marks of 8 and 9 in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively.
With that said, Worthy carries just a 64.2 receiving grade and 1.41 yards per route run when facing man coverage (via Pro Football Focus). According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Broncos feature man coverage at the third-highest rate. Denver also cedes -0.06 EPA per dropback, per SumerSports.
After posting only 9 points and 3.1 yards per play against the Titans last week, the Chiefs’ offense could be avoided across fantasy land.
Make NFL Christmas Day Picks on PrizePicks
As Thursday Night Football nears, Rice’s injury status continued to draw concern. Denver’s defense is always a tough out, and the Chiefs not having their top target could be detrimental.
Worthy may draw more interest for his PrizePicks projections, however. Make your predictions for his performance and the NFL’s entire Christmas slate at PrizePicks. Predict More or Less for projected player stats for the chance to earn real money if you’re right.
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