2025 Dynasty Faller: Rashee Rice
Since Patrick Mahomes was drafted in 2017, the Chiefs have been the offense to chase in fantasy. But heading into the 2025 dynasty startup season, there’s one Chief I’m fading—not because he lacks talent, but because his ADP (average draft position) doesn’t justify it.
That player? The YAC King himself—Rashee Rice.
Dynasty League Football (DLF) currently has Rice as the WR16 in single QB formats and WR15 in Superflex. He’s the YAC king because, in 2023, he led the league (min. 50 targets) with an impressive 7.9 yards after the catch per reception (Per Fantasy Points Data).
He also finished second among his rookie class with 938 receiving yards, trailing only Puka Nacua — elite company.
Rashee Rice’s 2024 season showed promise before a friendly-fire knee injury ended his campaign. He amassed 288 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his four games, showcasing his potential as a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit that a legitimate reason for fading Rashee Rice is the legal rain cloud pouring over his head. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you know about the March 2024 Lamborghini accident in Dallas, Texas, involving multiple injuries to several people.
The NFL has not issued any discipline to Rice, which I don’t expect until the legal process plays out. That’s how Commissioner Roger Goodell operates—a slow, calculated approach. But it can’t linger forever, especially since Rice is facing serious charges: eight felony counts, to be exact.
Rice’s current Dynasty ADP feels aggressive when you examine how he earned his production. He ranked near the bottom in total air yards, just 299 in 2023. The trend continued into 2024, where he ranked fifth lowest before the injury (min. 15 targets) in air yards per Fantasy Points Data.
His success came primarily from screens and quick hitters, not downfield targets. While effective in bursts, that usage profile limits his ceiling and becomes more volatile with added competition from Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy.
That’s not a knock on Rashee—it’s more a reflection of Patrick Mahomes’ tendencies, who consistently dials up shorter passes.
Although Mahomes is in the middle of the pack on attempted throws of 20+ yards, he was QB8 last year in passes of less than 10 yards.
This explains why Rice has had an extremely low aDOT (average depth of target), averaging only 3.9 yards in his short career.
Since we’re on Patrick Mahomes, he tosses the ball around the yard to multiple pass catchers. It’s an equal opportunity if you will.
Travis Kelce, in the last two years, has averaged a target share of 21.6%. In his 2024 rookie season, Xavier Worthy also took on 16% of the targets. Then, of course, you also have the running backs contributing to the passing game.
Having Rashee Rice ranked at or near the top‑15 at WR in Dynasty is a stretch. With a pending felony lawsuit that could sideline him for a big chunk (or all) of a season, he’s way too rich for my blood.
You’re drafting a short‑route specialist with legal issues and injury baggage at WR15.
When you can get:
- Zay Flowers cheaper – 10.9 aDOT, clean slate, and ascending role
- Chris Olave a full round later – 11.1 aDOT, and deep-threat juice to burn
- Jordan Addison and Jaylen Waddle also have a similar strong hold on their target shares and better vertical upside
Why pay for smoke when you can catch fire for cheap?