I didn't think Le'Veon Bell would wind up in Kansas City. Not that I thought he'd further destroy his career in Miami. But I just didn't think KC would want to pay for him. And you have to wonder if their loss to the Raiders Sunday forced some rethinking--that maybe this team isn't quite ready to defend its title.
Now, it's not a hot take to say the Chiefs remain the NFL's toughest out. That said, apparently they're not sold on Clyde Edwards-Helaire as their weekly bellcow, while Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson aren't good enough insurance policies if CEH gets hurt.
CEH was one of the most fascinating RBs to track this summer. His ADP shot up throughout August and closed out the preseason as an RB-7. Some of you told me you were targeting him fourth or fifth overall. On September 4 I wrote a piece warning folks not to buy into the hype--that his RB-12 ADP was more realistic. And sure enough, he's currently the #12 fantasy RB.
That said, he's 20th in points per game and hasn't exceeded 4.0 YPC since Week 1. The Chiefs have enjoyed elite RB production for much of the past decade. CEH isn't delivering. He's scored once and his catch rate is 63%, which is among the worst of all NFL starters. He's a rookie who, like all rookies, didn't have the benefit of a normal slate of practices and preseason contests.
So I get the Bell signing. But I don't think anyone knows how these two backs will be utilized. We haven't seen "good" Bell in three years. Does he still have it? Or will KC make him their change-of-pace option, which case both he and CEH could be staring at TD-dependent RB2/flex numbers.
I would be shocked if Bell overtakes CEH, unless the rookie is in the doghouse. Given the fresh hype surrounding this signing, I'd rather sell high on Bell than sell too low on Helaire.
That's my take, anyway. Looking forward to hearing yours.