Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire Fantasy outlook moving forward

Clyde Edwards-Helaire set the league on fire in his debut with the Chiefs

Well, we made it. It was a long and tantalizing wait but the first game is in the books. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, looked the part and were absolutely dynamic on the offensive side of the football. They managed to carve up Houston in numerous ways.

Rookie first rounder, Edwards-Helaire was a big reason for that. The rookie added a new element to their offense last night but it was not what everyone had expected. Given how productive he was through the air at LSU, everyone was expecting a PPR’s dream when projecting CEH going into the season. Nevertheless, it was in between the tackles and on the ground where CEH made his money last night.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire jukes Justin Reid and ends up with a 27-yard TD.

CEH has over 100 yards already.pic.twitter.com/9ITGJEUNw0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2020

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Despite finishing with zero catches in his debut, CEH ran for 138 yards including 105 after contact, the most by a rookie since 2006. It may not look as easy for Edwards-Helaire moving forward considering how porous the Texans run defense is along with their poor tackling in week one.

However, continue to expect more high rushing outputs from CEH moving forward. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce demand extra attention from defenses and will be the focal points for the opposition. CEH will consistently see favorable boxes to run with a full head of steam moving forward.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and a fantasy outlook

The only blemish on CEH’s night was his lack of productivity around the goal line as he had six opportunities inside the five and wound up with -2 yards. The biggest takeaway I had from these opportunities is that he got all the goal line carries over fellow running mate Darrel Williams. There were defensive linemen penetrating into the backfield on obvious goal line run situations; it was not CEH’s fault he didn’t convert.

I understand it is the first game and I don’t want to get carried away. But with the promise he showed in the run game coupled with his pass catching upside, it is not an exaggeration to say that CEH can finish as this year’s RB1 in both PPR and standard leagues. With the potential in this potent offense, CEH will continue to feast off favorable matchups as Andy Reid, Eric Bieniemy, and the Chiefs will continue to integrate CEH more into their gameplan each week.