CBS Sports Analyst Forecasts Chiefs’ Fantasy Dominance Amid Roster Overhaul
With Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator and new running backs joining the squad, the Chiefs are projected to be a potent fantasy asset despite quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ recent knee surgery.
CBS Sports analyst Jamey Eisenberg has released a comprehensive fantasy football preview for the Kansas City Chiefs, outlining a significant structural shift in the team’s roster ahead of the 2026 season. The analysis centres on the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who replaces Matt Nagy, and the addition of running backs Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado. These moves signal a strategic pivot towards a more balanced ground game, a necessity following the team’s missed playoff appearance in the previous campaign.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the focal point of the Chiefs’ offensive outlook, despite recovering from a torn ACL and LCL sustained in Week 15 of the prior season. Eisenberg projects Mahomes as a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback and a borderline top-10 option, noting that the team’s heavy investment in the backfield is designed to reduce his rushing load. While Mahomes averaged 23.6 fantasy points per game before his injury, the return of Bieniemy is expected to bolster his efficiency, with the coordinator’s tenure previously yielding an average of 28.4 points per game for the quarterback.
The introduction of Kenneth Walker III is viewed as a critical upgrade for the rushing attack. After struggling to 25th in rushing yards last season, the Chiefs are expected to lean heavily on Walker, who is projected as a top-10 fantasy running back. Eisenberg highlights Walker’s postseason performance with the Seattle Seahawks, where he averaged 24.9 points per game, as evidence of his potential to dominate touches in Kansas City, even if he must share the backfield with Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice is identified as a high-value asset, projected to finish as a top-five fantasy receiver. Eisenberg advises drafting Rice in the second round, citing his potential to lead the team in targets. Despite a history of injuries and suspensions limiting his recent game count, Rice’s production when healthy has been elite, averaging 18.8 points per game in eight contests last season. His health and target share are seen as vital to the Chiefs’ offensive success, particularly as the team looks to rebound from a six-game losing streak to close the previous year.
Tight end Travis Kelce, who turned 37 in October and postponed retirement plans, is projected as a top-10 fantasy tight end. Although early draft data suggests he may fall to the late rounds, Eisenberg argues that Kelce’s connection with Mahomes remains strong and that he averaged 12.8 points per game in 14 games last season. The preview concludes that the Chiefs, while not expected to win the AFC West, are positioned as a wild-card contender with an offence poised to be highly productive for fantasy managers in 2026.
