Le'Veon Bell, Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Updated Fantasy Outlooks for Chiefs

Le'Veon Bell's is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, creating a boon for fantasy managers who put their faith in the running back when he was still with the New York Jets. It's also a strong reason for concern among managers relying on Clyde Edwards-Helaire. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Bell chose Kansas City because it presented him the best opportunity to win a Super Bowl. Fantasy managers will have to live with that likely meaning a split backfield for the foreseeable future. 

The good news here is obvious: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense are exponentially better than what Bell had with Sam Darnold in New York. That should give Bell more opportunities to get involved in the passing game, especially given the troubles of Kansas City's current lead back, Edwards-Helaire, in that area.

The rookie first-round pick is averaging 9.9 yards per catch but has only hauled in 17 of 27 targets. Before getting waived by New York, Bell averaged 13.0 yards per catch, though he only saw three passes his way. Bell's career yards per catch is 8.3 while registering four seasons with at least 66 receptions.

In point-per-reception leagues, Bell will maintain his must-start status as an RB2 with the potential to be an RB1. 

Edwards-Helaire certainly hasn't been bad this season (344 yards on 81 carries), but he has just one touchdown and is likely to see some goal-line snaps go to Bell should the deal go through. Before Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season, Edwards-Helaire was expected to fill a No. 2 spot on the depth chart with the potential to break off big runs as a change-of-pace player. 

That'll likely be the case with Bell going forward, though expect Edwards-Helaire to still receive the bulk of his team's snaps, especially over the next few weeks until Bell gets settled in.

Managers will need to monitor this situation closely. With Kansas City's title window wide-open, the club won't spoil any opportunities to win now. Edwards-Helaire remains a worthy stash in dynasty and keeper leagues. Bell's presence may even help the rookie's development overall.

There's just no denying Bell's signing hurts fantasy teams relying on Edwards-Helaire now.