Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Denver Broncos. What should fantasy football managers expect from the duo of Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore?
When Darrel Williams gets the start, you treat him like an RB1
Williams is a talented player and he’s taken full advantage of his opportunities. Last week was the perfect example. When Edwards-Helaire missed the Chiefs’ Week 17 game, Williams got the start. He was the clear lead back in the Kansas City offense, taking 14 carries for 88 yards and 2 TDs. He tacked on 3 receptions for 19 yards for good measure. Gore, on the other hand, had 3 carries.
Williams is also used more in the passing game than Edwards-Helaire. That’s somewhat odd based on CEH’s receiving chops in college. Nonetheless, during the five-game stretch that Williams started earlier this year, he averaged 48.8 rushing yards, 4.8 receptions, and 45.2 receiving yards per game. He also added 3 touchdowns from scrimmage. Opportunity is king in fantasy football, and without Edwards-Helaire on the field, Williams gets all the opportunities.
Derrick Gore is explosive
While Williams has been seeing the heavier workload, Gore has managed to show that he’s an explosive weapon. He’s averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season when given the opportunity, and he has two runs of 20+ yards on only 44 carries this year. It’s enticing.
Still, even though Gore has the talent to make big plays, he doesn’t see a heavy enough workload in the offense to justify starting in your fantasy lineups. Williams is the one that will get the opportunities, both in volume and in scoring chances. Feel free to stash Gore in dynasty leagues, but he isn’t worth a role in your starting lineup.
Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore fantasy expectations
The expectations here are quite simple — expect Williams to be a big part of the game plan with Edwards-Helaire unable to go. The Chiefs are very much interested in playing to win this weekend, as they are currently tied in record with the Tennessee Titans for the AFC’s No. 1 seed (but behind them because of tiebreakers). If they win and Tennessee loses, the Chiefs will regain the top spot. Indeed, earning home-field advantage and a bye week in the playoffs is a fortunate position to be in.
Williams doesn’t have the easiest matchup this week, as he’s going against a Denver Broncos defense that has given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game over the last four weeks. Still, as the lead back in a high-powered offense, Williams is a high-end RB2 play with a clear path to RB1 production. Gore is a desperation/touchdown-dependent flex play.