Week 11 vs. Tampa Bay
Spencer Ware didn't have a monster game last week, but he had a tough matchup, so it's understandable. He should improve in Week 11 against a poor Bucs defense that's allowed 110+ rushing yards in three straight games.
Ware is a talented back, and should get plenty of opportunities in this game. We like him as a strong RB1 in this favorable matchup.
Week 10 vs. Carolina
Spencer Ware has returned to practice this week, although nothing has been made official of his playing status. We're expecting him to return, and if he does, he should be viewed as a RB2 instead of the RB1 he's been this season.
This is because he gets a difficult matchup against the Panthers, who have been stingy against the run. Carolina's allowed the third fewest rush yards per game (77.5), the third-fewest rushing touchdowns (5), and the lowest yards-per-carry (3.3).
Ware is talented, and should get plenty of touches, so he's not worth ignoring completely, but his value takes a hit this week.
Week 8 vs. Indianapolis
If Spencer Ware owners were concerned about Jamaal Charles returning, they can rest easy. Charles hasn't negatively affected Ware's production as the running back has averaged 147 yards in his last two games.
Expect another big game from Ware this week in a great matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the fourth-most points to opposing backs. Indianapolis has allowed 100+ yards in every game but one this season.
Ware is a must-start RB1 play this week.
Week 7 vs. New Orleans
Jamaal Charles made his awaited return last week, but that didn't matter to Spencer Ware owners. Ware touched the ball 26 times compared to Charles' 11. We expect that trend to continue moving forward.
After a dominating 163-yard effort last week, Ware should continue his success against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs, and by a pretty large margin, too.
Ware should be viewed as a strong RB1 play this week.
Week 6 vs. Oakland
Spencer Ware is a talented back, so we expect him to continue to get touches even with Jamaal Charles' return. There's no way to predict how the team will split carries, but with a favorable matchup against the Raiders, there's reason to believe they will both succeed.
Without Charles in the lineup, Ware would be a RB1 this week. The Raiders have given up big games to backs every single week, and this is a team that likes to see its RBs do well. But with Charles returning, Ware should be viewed more as an RB2.
Week 4 at Pittsburgh
Spencer Ware has been one of the better running back options through three games as he's filled in for an injured Jamaal Charles, and he'll continue to do so this week. Ware gets a favorable matchup against the Steelers, a defense that has allowed the fourth-most points to opposing backs.
Surprisingly, Pittsburgh has allowed more receiving yards (290) to backs than rushing yards (201). Ware is a great receiver out of the backfield, so he should able to take advantage.
Ware will be a low-end RB1 option this week in a favorable matchup.
Week 3 vs. New York Jets
Spencer Ware had 105 yards in Week 2, continuing his strong production while Jamaal Charles sits. Charles is expected to miss another week, which means Ware is another solid play.
He faces a Jets defense that has held running backs to low totals this season, but that may be more because teams have been passing so well against them. In either case, we expect Ware to get his touches on the ground, and through the air, making him a solid RB2 play this week.
Week 2 vs. Houston
So Spencer Ware is officially a thing. With Jamaal Charles out, Ware completely dominated with 199 total yards and a touchdown. He was great in standard, and PPR, as he finished with seven receptions on eight targets.
Charles appears to be out again in Week 2, which means Ware is in line for another heavy workload. The Chiefs passed more than usual last game, so don't expect another catch-heavy performance from Ware.
He's still a great option, though, and should be a low-end RB1 in a decent matchup against the Ravens.
Week 1 vs. San Diego
Jamaal Charles is expected to miss the first week, which opens the door for Spencer Ware. If you paid attention last year, you know the Chiefs will be just fine leaning on Ware against the Chargers.
In fact, two of his best games in 2015 came against the Chargers. His combined stats in the two performances come out to 19 carries for 148 yards (7.8 ypc) and two touchdowns. While that sounds promising, and it is, Ware's ceiling is capped by Charcandrick West, who also figures to play a role this week.
While West will surely take some touches away from Ware, we still envision big numbers coming from the running back. It's a favorable matchup for him, and he'll likely get enough touches to put up borderline RB1 numbers.
Fantasy Upside
Spencer Ware played well down the stretch last season as he developed a role after Jamaal Charles' injury. In sparing playing time he had 403 yards on 72 carries (5.6 avg) and scored six touchdowns. His talent should earn him some touches, and coaches will also likely get him on the field in an effort to limit Charles.
Fantasy Downside
He's still the backup to one of the best running backs in football. He also didn't display skills as a receiver last season, catching just six passes for five yards.
Bottom Line
He might be a good handcuff to Charles should the starter suffer another serious injury, but for now it's hard to see him doing too much in this offense.
