Zero carries. None. Zilch. Nada. For as complex as the Chiefs’ backfield has been through five weeks — we seriously need to diversify some of these names — I don’t think anyone would have expected that an active LeSean McCoy would go through an entire game without registering a single rushing attempt. It’s just not something that makes a lot of sense. However, while I think we don’t see his shutout streak reach two contests this weekend against the Texans, I do think it’s important to note the larger narrative in Sunday night’s loss to the Colts: Damien Williams was back in action.

Williams returned from a knee issue that had sidelined him the past two weeks, and though his stats were pedestrian, he led Kansas City’s RBs with 12 touches and 35 offensive snaps. The latter bit is crucial. In the three matchups where Williams has been available, McCoy’s been limited to snap shares of 29.4%, 40.0% and 24.1%. McCoy’s also been out-carried 4-to-2 in the red zone by Williams in these contests, which has led directly to McCoy not finding the end zone in a single game where Williams has taken the field. These are obviously small samples, but add in the fact that Darrel Williams is still getting his own opportunities and McCoy’s value is clearly a little tenuous right now.

Fantasy Football Analysis, Kansas City Chiefs RBs LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams

I know that sometimes it doesn’t come down to a matter of want, it’s a matter of need. There are a lot of good running backs on bye this week and a couple more currently nursing injuries. There’s a decent chance that you can’t bench a running back who’s going to get touches in a game that easily possesses the slate’s highest implied point total. Still, I want no part of Shady in Week 6. Houston has been stout defending the run in 2019, capping opposing backfields at just 78.0 rushing yards per game. It’s the AFC-high 49 targets allowed to RBs that’s done the actual damage. It’s a profile that suits Williams more so than McCoy and, once you throw in the snap discrepancy, there’s really no more need for discussion.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Damien Williams. Sit LeSeanMcCoy. Sit Darrel Williams