RADIO
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a fantasy football waiver wire pickup option for running backs. Target him as a free agent add off waivers for Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 36% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Isiah Pacheco resurfaced after a two-game absence (shoulder) to reclaim duties as Kansas City’s lead back when the Chiefs hosted the Raiders in Week 16. However, Pacheco sustained a concussion during the matchup.
This has combined with the placement of Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve to create an uncontested path for Clyde Edwards-Helaire to operate as Kansas City’s primary back during the Chiefs’ Week 17 matchup with Cincinnati.
Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon had both ascended into expanded roles while Pacheco was unavailable. Edwards-Helaire played on 67 snaps during those contests, while leading the backfield in rushing attempts (24), rushing yards (76), and receiving yards (93).
Edwards-Helaire also assembled 48 total yards on seven touches in Week 16. That includes his involvement as a receiving weapon, as he collected all three of his targets and generated 42 yards.
Updates surrounding Pacheco’s health should be monitored as the week advances. However, Edwards-Helaire’s prospects of operating with a sizable workload have elevated him among this week’s top priorities on your waiver wires.
UPDATE: Pacheco (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol. That being said, Pacheco is expected to suit up for the Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs could certainly use his help as they find themselves in danger of losing the divisional title. The expectation is that Pacheco will resume his role as the workhorse back in the offense. Fantasy managers should wait until the official word, but they should be able to plug Pacheco back in their lineups on Sunday. With Pacheco back in the lineup, Edwards-Helaire should be avoided in all leagues.
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