Fantasy Football Player Notes

Rashee Rice caught 105 balls for 1,200 yards in 20 games played in 2023 with 8 receiving TDs (19% target share). The former standout from SMU averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game - 29th. His role grew substantially after Week 6, and the rookie delivered averaging 12.1 points per game - placing him firmly inside the top 20. Rice finished the year with a 28% target rate per route run - 13th among all WRs last season. He was Patrick Mahomes's primary underneath option with the lowest average depth of target in the NFL among WRs (5.2). Rice finished the season 6th in targets inside the 10-yard line - more than Travis Kelce. The only "concern" for the Chiefs WR entering Year 2 is that Kansas City will be a favorite team to add more competition at the WR position. So far they have added Marquise Brown. And given Rice's new legal situation, he will likely be facing a suspension, shrouding his availability for the start of the 2024 NFL season.

The 2024 free agent had a year to forget in 2023. He struggled with bad Cardinals quarterback play before Kyler Murray returned to the starting lineup as the WR21 overall and as the WR34 in points per game (10.2). But after Murray returned, the Cardinals WR still didn't produce. 5.8 points per game in three full healthy games before ultimately missing the remainder of the season due to injuries. Overall, Brown hauled in 51 receptions on 101 targets, accumulating 574 yards at an average of 11.3 yards per catch. He scored 109.2 points over the season, averaging 7.8 points per game (53rd) in 13 games played. The lack of production was shocking, considering Brown posted nearly 1,200 air yards, a 25% target share, and 39% air yards share with the 16th-highest weighted opportunity rating. But, it's hard to argue against him in the best possible landing spot to resurrect his career with Patrick Mahomes in an offense that needs playmakers not named Rice and Travis Kelce. He can use his speed to stretch the field and be a threat to get the ball, unlike Marquez Valdes-Scatling. But if he hits, it's like as a fantasy WR2.