Jamaal Charles leads the Kansas City Chiefs – and fantasy teams – into the playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched a playoff berth in Sunday’s 56-31 victory over the Oakland Raiders. And they did so on the back of Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs running back didn’t just carry Kansas City into the playoffs. He likely smashed your fantasy-football opposition and led his owners to the fantasy-football championship game. Congrats if you had Charles. And if you played him, I feel your pain.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Charles’ performance –  195 receiving yards, four touchdown catches, 20 rushing yards and one rushing TD –  tied for the sixth-most fantasy points scored in a single game since 1960.

In standard leagues, Charles totaled 51 points. The only five performances that were better are Gale Sayers’ 55 points in 1965; Clinton Portis’ 54 points in 2003 (against Kansas City); Jim Brown’s 52 points in 1961; Jerry Rice’s 52 points in 1990; and Shaun Alexander’s 52 points in 2002. 

In points-per-reception leagues, Charles was even better. He racked up 66.5 points. He was projected for 22.39 points. 

Charles buzz-sawed my team – the Soulless Gingers. Coming into Sunday, my Gingers were the defending champions, the No. 1 seed in the PIke Slappers league and riding an eight-game winning streak. On Sunday, Nick Foles scored a monstrous 40.22 points for the Gingers. Jordy Nelson, Reggie Bush and Eddie Lacy out-paced their projections. Justin Tucker made six field goals and kicked the third-longest go-ahead field goal in NFL history (61 yards). The Chiefs D picked off the Raiders six times. None of it mattered in the end for me, especially with Josh Gordon, Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson and Jordan Cameron underperforming.

I lost 200.12 to 189.12. Eleven measly points stood between me and fantasy glory. It’s been two days since my last gasp on Monday night. Thanks for the drops, Megatron – and the interceptions, Matt Stafford.

So congrats, Jamaal Charles owners. Next year, he’s likely the No. 1 running back on the board – and possibly the No. 1 overall player. I certainly won’t forget this beat-down in next year’s draft.