The Opposition’s Depth Chart: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 3 of the regular season sees the Miami Dolphins play host to the Kansas City Chiefs.  Lets take a look at the Chiefs' depth chart.

Offense

Jamaal Charles suffered an ankle injury in the game against Denver.  At present he is not ruled out for this Sunday's game, and keeps his place atop the depth chart at running back.  Fasano continues to be the starting tight end, with the team hoping he keeps healthy in his second year.  This probably explains the need to keep four tight ends on the roster, to act as insurance.  Fasano will act as the safety valve for quarterback Alex Smith.  Smith is under the spotlight after picking up a $75 million payday, and will really be expected to up his game.

Dwayne Bowe's return last week will be a big help to the wide receivers.  Donnie Avery struggled as the number one receiver on the depth chart.  Jeff Allen continues to fill in for Donald Stephenson at right tackle, who is still serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.  Eric Fisher will be expected to protect Alex Smith, while McGlynn is expected to start at left guard, rookie Zach Fulton at right guard and Rodney Hudson at center.

Defense

Season-ending injuries to Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito were huge blows to the team.  In Johnson's place is James-Michael Johnson, a speedy and younger player, but not as good versus the run.  Up the middle is Poe, who can provide pass rush plays.  Outside linebacker Justin Houstin will also be expected to rush the passer on a regular basis, along with Tamba Hali.

Like Charles, safety Eric Berry also suffered an ankle injury.  The Chiefs will be hoping he returns.  Ex-Dolphin Sean Smith will face his old team.  Lets hope it won't be a happy return for him.

Something worthy of noting; the Kansas City defense contained Denver's offense to 237 passing yards and 88 rushing yards.  Both are the lowest for the Broncos since the loss to San Diego on December 12, 2013.

Special Teams

Undrafted rookie kicker Cairo Santos won the starting job from veteran Ryan Succop.  The competition was close throughout preseason, with the difference most likely being money (Succop was due $2 million this year, as opposed to the $422,000 Santos will make).  Dustin Colquitt starts as punter, while De'Anthony Thomas, Frankie Hammond and Knile Davis will see the bulk of work from kick off and punt returns.

In last week's game against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs lost seven projected starters to injury.  They will be hoping at least some of those players will return against the Dolphins.

Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.