What to do with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Le’Veon Bell in Week 9 fantasy football

Game day update: Even though Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing game got all the love last week, do not forget about Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le’Veon Bell. KC is going up against a Carolina defense that is giving up 124.9 rushing yards per game and 12 rushing touchdowns this season.

In their last two games, the Panthers’ defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher. However, Alvin Kamara absolutely ate in both the running and receiving games, while Todd Gurley got his patented red zone score last week. That being said, if you have CEH or Le’Veon Bell on your team, they warrant a start. ESPN projects Edwards-Helaire to score 11.1 fantasy points and Bell to score 7.8 points.

Chiefs fans were undoubtedly satisfied with the team’s 35-9 blowout victory over the Jets in Week 8, but fantasy owners of the Chiefs’ backfield felt the opposite. Patrick Mahomes hogged all of the fantasy goodness, throwing for 416 yards and five touchdowns and leaving almost nothing for the rushers. Should we expect this sort of outcome in Week 9’s game against Carolina?

Fantasy Football analysis: Chiefs RBs Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Le’Veon Bell

People who drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire early on are rightfully worried. Le’Veon Bell’s arrival aside, the rookie running back has gone two consecutive weeks with single-digit carries. His touchdown tally hasn’t taken a turn in the right direction, notching just two on the season. Add in Bell’s growing presence in the passing game, and it’s clear that you should be a bit worried about your first-round draft pick. Fortunately for both Chiefs rushers, the Carolina Panthers are extremely generous to opposing running backs. The Panthers have given up an average of 31.2 DKFP to the position this season, good for the fourth-most in the league. While there may eventually end up be a bit of a split in the backfield, CEH is definitely in play, and possibly even Le’Veon.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Edwards-Helaire as an RB2. Start Bell as a fringe FLEX play until we see his role increase.