Sunday Update: It’s looking like this Jets vs. Chiefs matchup may be one of the few to be spared by Mother Nature this week. Edwards-Helaire and Bell are set to be a 1-2 punch projected for 13.9 and 9.3 points, respectively, in ESPN Leagues. The Jets are averaging the seventh-most fantasy points allowed per game to the running back position.
Revenge game! Yes, it’s the popular narrative heading into this Chiefs-Jets showdown. You know Le’Veon Bell wants to take it to his former team in Week 8. But let’s not overlook Clyde Edwards-Helaire and what he should be able to accomplish against this poor run defense.
Fantasy Football analysis: Chiefs RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Le’Veon Bell
Thanks to a touchdown by Kansas City’s defense and special teams, the Chiefs’ first-team offense lined up for just 41 snaps last week against the Broncos. CEH was the leader in both snaps (27-17) and touches (9-6), and he saw four targets whereas Bell didn’t see any. But Bell looked pretty good as he ran for 39 yards on six carries. He’s not quite as shifty as he was in his Pittsburgh heyday, but it’s clear that he is going to be involved significantly, taking a big chunk out of Edwards-Helaire’s fantasy value. Fortunately, there should be room for both men to succeed this week as the Jets have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
It’s dangerous to assume game script in the ever-unpredictable NFL, but this certainly looks like a spot where both Edwards-Helaire and Bell can get a lot of work and produce solid numbers. You have to believe the Chiefs will at least try a few times to get Bell into the end zone. CEH is probably closer to the RB2 range with Bell involved, but he’s obviously a start in season-long leagues. Bell is too for that matter as a low-end RB2 when you take his matchup, bye weeks and RB injuries into account. Even if he plays only 40 percent of the snaps, Bell ($4,600) is the better value on DraftKings, where he is $1,900 cheaper than Edwards-Helaire (6,500).