Le’Veon Bell to Chiefs hurts Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s fantasy value
By John Buhler
Le’Veon Bell may stunt Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s growth in his rookie season.
When a player as talented as Le’Veon Bell suddenly becomes a free agent, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise if a contending team like the Kansas City Chiefs pounce at the opportunity to sign him. The former New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers running back is now on his third NFL team out of Michigan State. How does this impact rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
The Fantasy Footballers discussed where Bell would end up on Thursday’s episode shortly before he signed with the Chiefs. The guys believed he’d end up on the Chiefs because why wouldn’t he want to join the defending Super Bowl champions, all things equal? Though he’ll be better with the Chiefs than with the awful Jets, they are concerned about what happens to Edwards-Helaire.
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Kansas City used its first-round pick on the former LSU Tigers standout in the 2020 NFL Draft. As the first running back taken this past spring, Edwards-Helaire has been just okay as a rookie in five games. Outside of a dominant Week 1 performance vs. the struggling Houston Texans, he hasn’t come close to amassing 100 yards on the ground. Bell may take away more touches from him.
The Chiefs have two solid running backs, but neither are fantasy RB1’s anymore.
So if you have Bell on your fantasy football team, he may see a spike in productivity. Let’s be real. If he doesn’t improve playing in Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy‘s offense that means he’s washed. As for Edwards-Helaire, his time as being anything close to an RB1 in fantasy for 2020 appear to be over. He’s not a factor in the red zone, and may not be with Bell now in the Chiefs’ picture.
Again, this is a smart move by the Chiefs from a football standpoint to get Bell because if he didn’t go to Kansas City, he might have signed with a serious playoff contender like the Buffalo Bills. It’s not about winning fantasy football games in Kansas City, it’s about doing whatever is necessary to win the AFC again and get back to the Super Bowl. Adding Bell may be a missing piece for them.
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As for Edwards-Helaire, he is in his first year with the team. Because he’s a first-round pick, the Chiefs would have the luxury to exercise the fifth-year option on him after the 2022 campaign. Edwards-Helaire may become a fantasy football star in due time, but bringing in Bell only hurts his fantasy value at this time. However, it may end up serving him in 2021 or 2022 for all we know.