Sunday AM update: The injury report should have no impact on the production for either running back. ESPN’s PPR projections will raise some eyebrows with Drake projected at 13.6 points for Sunday, and Chase Edmonds at 11.1. In PPR leagues, Edmonds is developing into a solid flex option as the Cardinals emerging passing down back. Drake remains a standard start, but Edmonds is making his move and I don’t think anybody would be surprised if he had surpassed Drake on the depth chart before the end of the season.
The running back timeshare in Arizona has been increasingly confusing for fantasy managers over the past few weeks, as Chase Edmonds has been consistently outperforming Kenyan Drake. Drake showed promise as he began his first full year with the Cardinals, however, fantasy owners’ hopes of RB1 potential have yet to come to fruition. The volume is there for Drake, but the production is not. Which of these backs is more valuable in a Week 6 match-up with the Dallas Cowboys? We break down the fantasy analysis below.
Fantasy Football analysis: Cardinals RBs Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmonds
Kenyan Drake is averaging 17 carries per game over the first five games of the season, yet he is only managing an average of 10.3 points per game with this volume. He has only six receptions this season, as the passing down role belongs to Chase Edmonds at this time, thus limiting his PPR value. Drake has also failed to bail himself out with touchdowns, as he only has two so far this year.
The Cowboys provide opportunity for RB success, as they are allowing an average of 155.7 rushing yards per game. Recently, they have allowed both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to each post big numbers in the same game, so there may be room for multiple backs to have success. Drake’s volume in a plus match-up makes him worthy of an RB2 spot in your line-ups, despite his less than ideal production.
Chase Edmonds has taken a step forward this season, as he is no longer just a handcuff and now possesses standalone value. He has outperformed Drake in each of the last two games with five receptions per game. Edmonds is also managing an impressive five yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns this season. Edmonds’ pass catching ability gives him significant upside in PPR leagues and his recent usage and production have nearly equalized his value to that of Drake. In a plus match-up with a susceptible Dallas defense, look to start Edmonds as a flex play with RB2 upside.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Kenyan Drake as a low end RB2.
Start Chase Edmonds as a flex with RB2 upside.