We knew it was coming. It was only a matter before an NFL player playing a fantasy football position opted-out of the 2020 season. The first domino to fall it this regard comes from the defending Super Bowl champions. The Kansas City Chiefs announced that running back Damien Williams has decided to sit out the season.
Statement from GM Brett Veach
“Damien Williams informed the club of his decision to opt out of the 2020 season." pic.twitter.com/dEQ2sUs9u2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 29, 2020
Not only does this decision impact the Chiefs, but also the fantasy landscape in general. While Kansas City did draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Williams was still expected to take on an important role in the upcoming season. Instead, the rookie Edwards-Helaire now enters a backfield without an established player. At least not one performing consistently. Darrel Williams has been with the Chiefs the longest out of any running back on the current depth chart, and he only has 72 career NFL touches.
What does this mean for Edwards-Helaire’s value? Well, in dynasty he was already being viewed as a 1st-round startup pick in some circles. So there is little room to move up from there. However, in redraft, this Williams news will likely cause a rise in the rookie’s ADP which is currently at 2.11 in PPR leagues (according to Fantasy Football Calculator). Personally, I see no issue drafting Edwards-Helaire in the first round after this news.
Aside from Edwards-Helaire, which other Chiefs runnings backs should see a bump in value? Well, to be honest, it is very difficult to distinguish the depth chart behind the rookie. The aforementioned Darrel Williams has the longest tenure with the team, and that may solidify his role more than anything else. Last season, the Chiefs also acquired a pair of players. One in the draft (Darwin Thompson) and one as a free agent (Elijah McGuire). Finally, Kansas City also signed DeAndre Washington as a free agent this offseason to further complicate the issue.
Truthfully, any of those four running backs could be the primary backup, or could just as easily be cut by the end of training camp. This is a situation that needs to be monitored not only over the rest of the offseason, but also once the games get underway.
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