Elijah Mitchell: A Fantasy Sleeper in the Chiefs’ Backfield?
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free-agent running back Elijah Mitchell to a one-year contract, bolstering their backfield depth. Mitchell, who spent his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, burst onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for 963 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered his progresss due to issues with his hamstring, knee, and shoulder. Despite these setbacks, Mitchell has still managed to rack up 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging a solid 4.7 yards per carry. If he can stay healthy, Mitchell has the potential to provide valuable contributions to the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
From a fantasy perspective, Mitchell’s role could be more significant than expected, especially considering Isaiah Pacheco’s injury history. If Pacheco struggles to stay on the field, Mitchell could be a key piece in the Chiefs’ backfield, providing stability and potential upside. While Mitchell’s own injury track record makes him a risky pick, his past success as a lead back and the opportunity in Kansas City’s high-powered offense could make him a valuable asset in deeper leagues, especially as a handcuff or flex option. If Mitchell can avoid the injury bug, he could play a crucial role in the Chiefs’ offense and provide fantasy gamers with solid returns.
Author: Mike Lindberg (@FFCanuck99)