After a three game stretch that saw him average 12 targets and 9 catches per game, Jeremy Maclin has come back to down to earth recently. The veteran wide receiver has had no more than six targets or three catches over his previous four contests.

With the Chiefs finding success on the ground and their defense playing at an elite level, there hasn't been much need for this team to air the ball out.

With the Buffalo Bills coming to town, we could see Alex Smith forced to look Maclin's way again. While Buffalo is 25th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play, they have actually allowed the 10th fewest rushing yards this season. For one reason or another, opposing coaches have chosen to attempt to beat this team through the air. Opponents have attempted 395 passes against them, the fourth most in the league.

With Charcandrick West banged up, Kansas City is likely to follow this trend in Week 12. Smith's propensity to play it safe takes away much of Maclin's big play potential, but an increase in targets to the eight or nine range should keep him in play as a WR2 this week.