Chiefs-Rams Market Movers heading into Week 12

On Thanksgiving weekend, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs proceed their assault on southern California as they face the Los Angeles Rams on GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium.

These two groups couldn’t be headed in additional reverse instructions. The Rams have misplaced 4 straight — and 6 out of the final seven. The Chiefs have received 4 straight — and sure, six out of their final seven. The Rams will probably be with out their quarterback and his backup, forcing them to play their third-string man who runs higher than he throws. In the meantime, the Chiefs will begin MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes.

Whereas this ought to be a lopsided recreation in favor of the house staff, the reigning Tremendous Bowl champions shouldn’t be ignored.

Listed below are a couple of Chiefs who’re trending forward of the Week 12 matchup.

Bulls

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports activities

Offensive linemen Orlando Brown and Trey Smith: A lot of the speak this week was — rightfully so — about Isiah Pacheco. Rhyming apart, the Kansas Metropolis operating recreation relies upon as a lot (or extra) on the blokes up entrance than the blokes toting the rock. Final Sunday, Brown, Smith and firm have been capable of do what they do greatest: maul individuals within the operating recreation. The Chiefs appeared to run extra of the power-running performs that match each their model and the abilities of their operating backs. As a staff, they ran for 163 yards — averaging 6.0 yards per carry. This type of steadiness makes the Kansas Metropolis offense way more environment friendly — and troublesome to beat, too. The Rams current one other alternative for these guys to say themselves on the bottom — which can hopefully lead to a cushty lead.

Defensive finish George Karlaftis: It’s gotta be irritating to be this younger participant. On one hand, he’s enjoying quite a lot of snaps on a defensive entrance that has already handed final yr’s sack totals; it’s closing out video games with numerous strain in large conditions. However whereas enjoying ready the place sacks get guys paid and acknowledged, Karlaftis has solely half of a sack in ten video games. As Ron Kopp Jr. identified throughout this week’s Arrowhead Pride Out of Structure podcast, Karlaftis has been requested to do quite a lot of the “soiled work” that frees up others to hurry the passer. When he does get by means of — typically towards a number of blockers — Karlaftis is getting strain at a great price. When he doesn’t get by means of, he’s flattening passes. (He leads the staff with 5). Karlaftis is because of stumble right into a sack or two — and towards the Rams and their backup-backup quarterback, it’s potential that it begins this week.

Huge receiver Skyy Moore: One of the Winners from last Sunday’s game, the rookie emerged at precisely the correct time. Already lacking JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman — and with Kadarius Toney leaving early with an damage — quarterback Patrick Mahomes was brief on confirmed pass-catchers. It was the right alternative for Moore to remind everybody that he has the power to be a standard downfield extensive receiver for this staff. Most notable amongst his five-catch efficiency was that Mahomes focused Moore on the ultimate drive to get into Chargers territory and arrange the profitable landing. Watch this week to see if Skyy can nonetheless get Moore targets — whether or not or not the place group will get more healthy.

Others trending in the correct route: cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, linebackers Nick Bolton and Willie Homosexual, Jr., defensive ends Mike Danna and Carlos Dunlap, operating again Isiah Pacheco, defensive deal with Chris Jones, tight finish Jody Fortson and placekicker Harrison Butker.

Bears

Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports activities

Operating again Ronald Jones: Provided that he’s been on the inactive listing for each one of many first ten video games, you may marvel how a lot additional he might fall. After (surprisingly) making the staff out of camp — after which not getting a shot — Jones just lately tweeted about wanting a launch. In the meantime, in latest weeks, the Chiefs have been placing waiver claims on operating backs launched from different groups. Their curiosity in bolstering the place from outdoors ought to inform us all we have to learn about the place they suppose Jones suits — so if the staff is profitable in including one other again, Jones could get his want. Now that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on injured reserve, nonetheless, Jones is anticipated to be energetic for Sunday’s recreation towards the Rams. Right here’s the difficulty: what Jones does greatest is what Pahceco does higher. I wouldn’t count on many carries for Jones on Sunday; he could also be energetic solely as insurance coverage.

Huge receiver Kadarius Toney: He was simply beginning to get everybody enthusiastic about his potential when the problem which will have gotten him shipped out of New York popped up in Kansas Metropolis. Toney left early within the Chargers recreation with a hamstring damage, leaving his standing for this Sunday’s recreation unsure. The expertise is plain, however availability might already be an issue for Toney. It’s not his fault for getting injured — however let’s hope that this isn’t a sample that limits his influence with the Chiefs.

Fullback Michael Burton: On a staff headed in the correct route, it’s difficult to search out gamers who’re… bearish. However when an offense is as environment friendly as this one, typically guys get omitted. Burton performs a place that many don’t even see as helpful within the trendy recreation. However when he’s had probabilities with the Chiefs, he’s been a worthwhile short-yardage again. These probabilities, nonetheless, have been dwindling; he hasn’t seen the ball since he was stuffed for a loss towards the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Rams have been fairly strong towards the run, so Burton may nonetheless be questioning when his subsequent carry will come.

Others trending within the mistaken route: extensive receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, operating again Clyde Edwards-Helaire, cornerback Joshua Williams and linebacker Darius Harris.

Worth (sleeper) Decide: proper deal with Lucas Niang

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports activities

It feels prefer it’s been endlessly since Niang was on the sector, however he’s lastly poised to make his return. Head coach Andy Reid indicated that he’d be part of the “two-deep,” placing Niang squarely in place to compete for his former beginning job. Whereas it won’t occur this week, it looks like there’s somewhat momentum for Niang to unseat Andrew Wylie down the stretch. Continuity is essential for offensive strains, so groups don’t love making a change like this. But when Wylie struggles towards the Rams — and Niang seems good in follow — his alternative may lastly be coming.