Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Fantasy Upside
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a strong rookie season, finishing with 1,100 scrimmage yards despite missing three games. We’re expecting bigger numbers for CEH in 2021, especially with Le’Veon Bell gone. While Bell didn’t do much himself, he did seem to hinder CEH as the rookie was the No. 11 running back through six weeks before the Chiefs added Bell. But Bell is gone, and no one of note replaced him on the depth chart. CEH is a talented player in a high-powered offense who has already shown he can be productive.

Fantasy Downside
CEH’s biggest problem as a rookie was his lack of scoring, finishing with five total touchdowns. Another downside was the fact CEH only finished with 2.8 receptions per game. That’s a low figure for a back in a high-powered offense with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball. CEH also had, including the playoffs, seven games with 10 rushing attempts or less. That’s nearly half of the 15 games he played in.

2021 Bottom Line
With Bell gone, and not a lot of depth behind him, we’d expect CEH to get back to the pace he had during the first six weeks of his rookie season. If his touches can improve, and be consistent, there’s no reason why CEH can’t put up bigger numbers in 2021. The Chiefs also revamped their offensive line, which should make things easier for CEH. We like him as a strong RB2 heading into this season, placing him around the RB15 mark (half-PPR).

Week 14 at Miami Dolphins

Clyde Edwards-Helaire drew the ire of fantasy owners everywhere last week when he was ruled active, but did nothing all game and finished with a fat zero points. CEH was dealing with an illness, so he should be fine for Week 14. He's still listed on the injury report, but he got in a full practice session. CEH has had an odd season with really big highs (169 yards), and really down lows (31 yards). He gets a somewhat tough matchup against the Dolphins (No. 13 aFPA) this week, but we're more worried about his touches than the matchup itself. The Chiefs have gone pass-happy lately, and those passes aren't affecting CEH (two total receptions in his last two played games). CEH should be viewed more as an RB2 play in Week 14 against the Dolphins.

Week 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Chiefs finally returned to utilizing Clyde Edwards-Helaire in their offense, as he saw his first game with double-digit touches since Le'Veon Bell arrived. CEH ran 14 times for a nice 69 yards and two touchdowns while adding one catch for eight yards (two targets). While the touches haven't always been there since Bell's arrival, CEH has still scored a touchdown in 3/4 games with Bell. This week, CEH gets a brutal matchup against the Bucs who have allowed the fewest total rushing yards to running backs this season. Backs are averaging only 50 rushing yards against the Bucs this season. The good news, though, is the Bucs have allowed the eighth-most receiving yards to backs this season. So if the Chiefs get CEH involved as a receiver, he should be fine. We like CEH as a strong RB2 play this week against the Bucs (No. 4 aFPA).