Week 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Spencer Ware saw nine snaps in Week 1 and just six snaps in Week 2. He'll be a hot commodity if Kareem Hunt ever got injured this season, but for now he's just handcuff material. He's not worth a look as an option this week.
Fantasy Upside
Spencer Ware showed promise in 2015 before his breakout 2016 season as a starter. He averaged 97 offensive yards per game that season, and although he didn’t score many touchdowns (5), he showed he was capable of being a leading guy. He’s now healthy for 2018 and will be the primary backup to Kareem Hunt.
Fantasy Downside
Ware was on his way to perhaps another career season in 2017 before tearing his PCL and LCL (knee ligaments) before the season started. He’s still recovering from that injury as he missed Kansas City’s first preseason game, but he’s expected to be healthy once the season starts.
2018 Bottom Line
Ware is worth a potential handcuff for Hunt owners, but he doesn’t carry much value outside of that. Last season we hardly saw any back get touches outside of Hunt, so we expect a similar setup this year, even with Ware back. So unless something happens to Hunt, don’t expect much use out of Ware.
Player Upside
Spencer Ware took over as the Chiefs' starting running back last season and did a fine job, finishing with 1,369 total yards in 14 games. The 25-year-old back has started to make a name for himself with a full season under his belt, as well as some impressive performances from the 2015 season.
Consistency is the key with Ware, as he rushed for at least 50 rushing yards 12 times last season. It’s always nice when you can expect solid production out of your back on a week-to-week basis.
Player Downside
Ware struggled to find the end zone last season, scoring three times on the ground and twice through the air. Quarterback Alex Smith ended up being a vulture, with five rushing scores of his own last season.
You’re going to be disappointed if you’re expecting a big run out of Ware. Of his 214 carries, only three were 20 yards or longer, with a season-high of 46. Only one other back with 200-plus carries last season had less (Todd Gurley).
2017 Bottom Line
While he’s not a likely candidate to break off 100-yard rushing games every week, Ware makes it up by being versatile. What he lacks in the ground game he makes up for it via the passing game. He added 33 catches and 447 receiving yards to go with his 922 yards on the ground last season. He should be on pace to finish as an RB1 this season, as long as incoming rookie Kareem Hunt doesn’t take away too many carries. We’d also his expect his touchdown totals to increase, as it will be unlikely for Smith to continue his vulture role.
Divisional Round vs. Pittsburgh
Spencer Ware missed Week 17 due to injury, but is expected to return this week after having a bye to recover. When healthy, Ware is a solid fantasy option as he gets multiple touches. While he didn't end the season on a strong note, he still managed to stay relevant in fantasy just by sheer volume.
He'll face the Steelers this week, a team he had some success against earlier in the year. He ran for 82 yards on 13 carries (6.3 YPC) and caught a pass for 14 yards. He wasn't used as much in the game since Kansas City was getting blown out.
Ware won't be an elite option this week in the playoffs, but he should be a reliable play.
Week 17 vs. San Diego
Spencer Ware was a hot commodity earlier in the season, but his stats have cooled off lately. He's been held scoreless in seven of his last eight games and has finished below 100 total yards in each game in that span as well.
Having said all of that, Ware will be a good Week 17 option because of the workload he's expected to get. The Chiefs have a chance to win the AFC West, so the team will play their starters as they try to win.
Considering the workload he should receive compared to other backs, Ware should be viewed as a strong RB1 play.
Week 16 vs. Denver
Spencer Ware had a solid 94-yard effort last week as he continues to be the bell cow for Kansas City. He hasn't been quite as dominant lately, but he looks to rebound this week against a favorable Denver rush defense.
The last time Ware faced the Broncos, he finished with 96 total yards, which isn't a bad game.
Ware has been getting a high volume of touches each week, and borders RB1 territory off that alone. He hasn't found the endzone much this season, but he should be in most starting fantasy rosters this weekend.
Week 15 vs. Tennessee
Spencer Ware has struggled in two straight games, finishing with a combined 85 rushing yards on 34 carries (2.5 ypc). The dropoff in production is a surprise considering his output earlier in the season. He's still getting touches, though, which is key for fantasy owners.
He'll get a poor matchup this week against the Titans. Opposing backs have only scored a total of seven touchdowns against Tennessee and they've allowed the third-fewest yards per game to opposing backs (86.6).
We still like Ware as a strong RB2 because he'll get plenty of carries, and is a factor in the passing game.
Week 14 vs. Oakland
Spencer Ware was terrible against the Falcons last week, finishing with 29 yards on 14 carries (2.1 average) and 23 yards on three receptions. Fantasy owners don't care about those numbers, though. They care about the two touchdowns he scored in the game, which ultimately led to a strong outing. Touchdowns had previously been an issue for Ware, who had just three heading into last week.
Ware should bounce back with better yardage numbers this week against the Raiders. Oakland's defense has allowed 100+ rushing yards to backs in three straight games, including five touchdowns in that stretch.
The last time Ware faced the Raiders this year, he put on a show with 163 total yards and a score. He should be a strong RB1 play this week.
Week 13 vs. Atlanta
Spencer Ware had 96 total yards last week, but was held without a touchdown in his fourth straight game. Ware is getting plenty of opportunities in both the rushing and passing game, so the end zone scores should return.
He has a favorable matchup this week against the Falcons, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing backs. Atlanta has a real weakness stopping backs who can catch the ball, as they've easily allowed the most receptions (91) and receiving yards (756) to the position.
Since Ware is a solid receiver out of the backfield, there's a good chance he has a big day against the Falcons. he should be treated as an RB1.
Week 12 vs. Denver
There aren't many running backs who get the workload that Spencer Ware gets. He's a true No. 1 back and often delivers, as he's had at least 70 yards in every game this season but one.
This week, he faces Denver, and you might think it's a bad matchup because of the Broncos' defense, but running backs have actually had success against them. We really like Ware this week as a solid RB1 play.
