The Kansas City Chiefs are struggling in the 2021 NFL season. Dropping to 2-3 after their Week 5 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs need to turn things around quickly. Losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t help their situation. However, Darrel Williams has had his workload increased the past couple of weeks even with CEH healthy. Without Edwards-Helaire, expect him to take over as their lead back. Darrel Williams could become a reliable Flex option in fantasy football.
Kansas City ranks in the bottom half of the league in rushing attempts, but they rank 7th in total rushing yards. They also rank 6th in YPC with 5.1. They’re very capable of running the football, and have the offensive line to do so.
Struggling Defense
The Chiefs defense currently ranks 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed. They also rank dead last in points allowed per game with 32.6. No matter how great an offense is, a defense has to play well. If you’re playing that poorly on the defensive side of the ball, it’s tough to win games.
The Chief’s poor defensive play is one of the main reasons why you should have Darrel Williams on your fantasy football team while CEH is out. There’s a good possibility the Chiefs try to control the clock a bit more in their upcoming matchups, limiting the amount of time their defense is on the field.
Upcoming Matchups
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to miss a few weeks with an MCL sprain. Let’s take a look at the Chiefs’ upcoming opponents and how they match up against opposing backs.
- Week 6 – Washington Football Team – 18th in PPR points allowed to RBs (24.45)
- Week 7 – Tennessee Titans – 12th (21.7)
- Week 8 – New York Giants – 24th (26.6)
- Week 9 – Green Bay Packers – 17th (23.35)
- Week 10 – Las Vegas Raiders – 26th (26.95)
Darrel Williams’ Fantasy Football Outlook
In limited opportunities, Williams has totaled 22 rushes for 97 yards and a touchdown over the past three weeks. He also has seven catches over the same span.
With CEH out, expect Williams to receive about 15 touches a game. Williams could produce enough to sustain top-30 production over the next few weeks. His workload may increase each week, and may earn more touches even when Edwards-Helaire returns.
The next few weeks for the Chiefs’ backfield has potential for decent fantasy football production. If Williams is used how CEH was, Williams could bring top-25 production to your fantasy team.
If you currently roster Clyde Edwards-Helaire and need an immediate replacement, Williams is your guy. Make a waiver claim as soon as possible, and don’t be afraid to blow a chunk of your free agent budget. If you don’t have CEH rostered, I suggest claiming for Williams anyways.
Darrel Williams could become a nice temporary depth piece to your team in a trade, depending on how desperate the CEH owner in your league is. Regardless of why you want to add Williams to your team, it doesn’t really matter. No starting running back in the NFL should be left out in your free agent pool. Williams has top-30 upside while CEH is out.
