How Marquise Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs Impacts Fantasy Football
On March 14th one day after the 2024 season officially began, Marquise Brown inked a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $11 million. Despite not being one of the most sought-after WRs in this free-agent market, Brown makes for a solid addition to an offense in need of receiving help.
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Marquise Brown’s Wide Receiver Profile
The 26-year-old was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2019 and played in Baltimore for three seasons before joining the Cardinals from 2022-2023. His best output was in 2021 where he turned 146 targets into a 91-1008-6 line for a WR26 finish in half-PPR points per contest.
Brown is coming off a rough year in Arizona where he posted a career-low 574 receiving yards in just 14 games, with professional lows in yards after catch per reception (3.4) and catch percentage (50.4%). He played the first half of the season without Kyler Murray, then suffered a heel injury which sent him to the IR for the final three contests.
A fresh start with the reigning Super Bowl Champions could be just what Brown needs to revitalize his value as a fantasy asset.
How Marquise "Hollywood" Brown Fits in the Heartland
Hollywood has been pretty lucky compared to most in the QB department as he’s had Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray throwing to him, but he now has Patrick Mahomes under center which is a win-win for both players. The Chiefs released Marquez-Valdes Scantling earlier this offseason, and while he never lived up to expectations as a fantasy WR in Kansas City, his role as No. 1 outside receiver was as premier as they come. Brown should step right into that spot originally vacated by Tyreek Hill as Mahomes’ downfield guy, and if they can gel quickly, it could be wheels up for Brown in fantasy land.
We can’t forget about Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, who could both see a mild drop in meaningful targets with Brown in the mix. Mahomes certainly has the ability to support both of the WRs, as they profile so differently while on the field. Hollywood should stretch defenders downfield, freeing Rice to work underneath routes. Brown’s aDOT (11.4) was nearly triple Rice’s last season (4.81).
It’s also worth noting that the Chiefs may decide to limit Kelce’s volume during the regular season to keep him fresh for the playoffs as he will turn 35 during Week 5.
Fantasy Outlook for the Chiefs Key Pieces
Let’s start with Mahomes because he’s coming off his worst fantasy output since becoming the starter for KC. He ended as the QB14 in fantasy points per game (17.5), which was his only fantasy QB2 campaign. Mahomes was plagued by drops from the majority of his receiving corps which sank his statistical season. The 28-year-old is 4for4’s QB4 in our Never-too-Early rankings and is also the fourth QB leaving Underdog draft boards at spot 5.02. There isn’t much room to rise post-Brown acquisition positionally, however, we may see a small spike in ADP.
Rice was in fantasy WR1 territory before the Cheifs signed Brown, but is now to be considered more of a WR2. He’s ranked as 4for4’s WR14 and is also being selected as the 14th WR in early Underdog drafts at 2.12. Brown is valued a little higher in 4for4’s early ranks (WR39) than Underdog managers (WR44), and now is a great time to draft the new Chief as his stock could rise once camps open and we see the potential chemistry between Hollywood and Mahomes.
At such a volatile position, Kelce remains the TE2 behind LaPorta and should be drafted as such no matter who comes to town.
Bottom Line
- After a season of career lows for Marquise Brown in Arizona, he gets a fresh start as part of the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Chiefs.
- Brown should provide that deep-ball threat Patrick Mahomes has been missing since the departure of Tyreek Hill, which could also help fellow WR Rashee Rice.
- Consider Rice a high-end fantasy WR2, as he’s the WR14 in both 4for4’s rankings and in Underdog ADP (2.12). Brown should be considered a fantasy WR4 with WR3 potential, currently sitting as WR39 in 4for4 rankings and WR44 in Underdog ADP.
- Travis Kelce remains the TE2 with Hollywood's signing having no impact on fantasy value.
