Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Pacheco missed week 14 with a shoulder contusion, and will miss another game this week. Andy Reid told reporters on Friday that Pacheco underwent shoulder surgery and “we’ll probably anticipate getting him back next week”.

It was almost a 50/50 split backfield in week 14 when Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon faced the Bills. It was a game script that benefited McKinnon, and he was the more productive out of the two, scoring a touchdown. This week, the Chiefs face another formidable run defense in the New England Patriots, giving up a stingy 88.2 yards per game on the ground. Both McKinnon and CEH are considered desperate flex plays at best with CEH earning a small edge, with the more likelihood of game script benefiting him.

Isiah Pacheco’s absence due to a shoulder contusion is a significant setback for the Chiefs and fantasy managers, given his current standing as the RB9. Jerick McKinnon’s return after a two-week absence is noteworthy. With Pacheco out, anticipate a committee backfield, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire handling the majority of early-down work, confirmed by Andy Reid naming him the “No. 1 guy” in Pacheco’s absence.

Expect McKinnon to surpass his usual 30% snap share, resulting in a projected 60/40 split between Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon. Keep an eye on undrafted rookie Deneric Prince, elevated from the practice roster last week, as he may see some action. Facing the Bills’ formidable run defense, Edwards-Helaire offers a high floor, while McKinnon, if utilized similarly to the 2022-2023 Chiefs Super Bowl run, presents a higher ceiling. Both, however, should be considered as flex plays with an element of uncertainty.