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The Kansas City Chiefs have gone from incredible running back depth to a huge question mark in a short period. The team lost Damien Williams to a rib injury, and has now placed Darrel Williams on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Earlier this week, the team signed old friend Spencer Ware to provide depth behind LeSean McCoy and Darwin Thompson.
Damien missed last week’s game, while Darrel was lost to injury during the game. After Darrel went down, Thompson took over the lead back role. He finished with 11 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. McCoy rushed five times for ten yards and a touchdown, and caught three passes for 20 yards.
Fantasy football analysis: Chiefs running backs
Ware knows the Chiefs offense, but he is likely an emergency option for the time being. For fantasy purposes, you might as well ignore him barring more injuries.
Darwin Thompson was a popular fantasy football pickup this week, but it’s not entirely clear what the Chiefs game plan is. McCoy would seem certain to get passing down work, but his fumbles might still weigh on Andy Reid’s mind.
The Patriots run defense is a clear step below their pass defense. The most conservative bet would probably be starting Thompson in standard leagues and starting McCoy in PPR leagues, but it’s a bit of guess-work. I have no doubt a large group of people are going to start one of these two running backs and be incredibly disappointed, while the other half will be pleased with their decision.
Start/Sit Recommendation
Thompson: Start in standard leagues
McCoy: Start in PPR leagues