Dee Ford Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Chiefs OLB Justin Houston required an unexpected ACL repair in February, which might put his 2016 season in jeopardy. According to Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder, a 2nd knee scope by Dr. James Andrews after January's playoff exit revealed that Houston's ACL "was intact" but that it "wasn't functioning properly." (Houston initially hyperextended the knee in Week 12.) Andrews reportedly fixed that issue, but Houston still faces a 6-12 month recovery window. From February, of course, that would be the difference between August or next February. We'll see how Houston progresses into and through the summer, but IDP owners clearly won't be able to count on him come fantasy draft time. The situation creates opportunity for OLB Dee Ford, whom teammate Tamba Hali recently challenged to improve his preparation. The Chiefs also re-signed Hali and OLB Frank Zombo this offseason and added OLB Jonathan Massaquoi

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs expect OLB Justin Houston to miss the rest of the regular season with his hyperextended knee. He's hoping to return for the playoffs, though, which won't help most IDP owners or users of the Kansas City D in fantasy football. OLB Dee Ford broke through for 3 sacks in Houston's absence last week. He's a decent option in sack-friendly IDP leagues against the Ravens this week and a high-ceiling play against the Browns in Week 16. Oakland presents a tougher sack matchup in Week 17. The Chiefs team D is starter-worthy for weeks 15 and 16 at least.

Auburn DE/OLB Dee Ford went to the Chiefs with the 23rd pick of the NFL draft.  Ford doesn't look like a rookie starter on a 3-4 D that still boasts OLB Tamba Hali and OLB Justin Houston.  But Hali has just 1 year left on his contract beyond this season (at $8.75 million total).  Houston's in the final year of his deal but has reportedly already begun extension talks with the team.  Ford carries long-term intrigue for IDP owners but doesn't look like he'll factor into the 2014 IDP rankings.