There's a pleasant hint of irony in this scenario: Tom Brady suffers a season-ending injury and his back-up Matt Cassel is a solid performer, becoming a highly-sought-after QB. The team Brady was injured against? The Kansas City Chiefs. Matt Cassel's new home? Those same Chiefs.

While a number of fantasy owners had their 2008 championship hopes dashed with Brady's demise, others nabbed Cassel, who, after a few rough starts, found his place in the Pat's high-power offense and turned in a handful of huge games down the stretch. But with the new Mr.Bundchen back in the starter role, the franchise-tagged Cassel faced an uncertain fantasy future.

The picture got dramatically more clear on Saturday, when new Chief's GM Scott Pioli -- a former Patriots VP -- brought Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel to Kansas City in exchange for their second-round (34th overall) pick in the upcoming draft. Cassel will enter Chiefs camp as the favorite to be the 2009 starter for a team that featured Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen under center last season.

The Chiefs are by no means the offensive juggernaut that New England is, but I expect Cassel to be a very viable fantasy option. Thigpen managed to throw for over 2,600 yards and 18 TDs as the Chiefs finished the season a dismal 2-14. Cassel will have all of the same weapons -- including Dwayne Bowe, Tony Gonzalez, Mark Bradley and Jamaal Charles -- as well an altered offensive scheme under new head coach Todd Haley. Look for the former Arizona offensive coordinator to open up the passing attack, allowing Cassel to air it out.

While I don't expect a drammatic turn-around in KC -- they'll finish no better than 8-8 -- I wouldn't be surprised to see Cassel throw for 3,750+ yards and 25 TDs, finishing the season as a top 10 fantasy QB.

CONTRACT YEAR: The Guru thinks Cassel may make KC the favorite in the AFC West | READ IT