XavierWorthy

News: 8 hours agoWorthy will once again operate as the Chiefs' top wide receiver after Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) was ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

Spin: It'll be the second consecutive game that Rice will be sidelined due to hamstring and knee injuries that he sustained in Week 4 against the Raiders. Worthy paced the Chiefs with seven catches on as many targets for 73 yards in a Week 6 win against the Chargers, and the third-year wideout once again will lead Kansas City's wide receiver group for Week 7, with Jalen Royals and rookie Cyrus Allen also in the mix for larger roles.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: After impressing as a rookie with 101 touches and 12 touchdowns in 20 games (including the playoffs), Worthy had the look of an emerging star. Things didn't go as planned in Year 2, though, as the 2024 first-round pick was injured on his third snap of the season and wasn't productive or utilized as much as expected upon his return. Worthy was limited to one touchdown (Week 6) and reached 12 fantasy points once in 14 games (Week 4). The speedy Worthy is still only 23 years old, so a Year 3 breakout is certainly possible, especially with Rashee Rice and 36-year-old Travis Kelce as his only legit target competition. He's worth a late flier.