The Chiefs decided to carry 3 running backs and one fullback on their initial 53 man roster. I’ll give my thoughts on what we should expect stats wise from the backfield this season.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Predicted Stat Line: 200 rushes 1050 yards 55 receptions 620 yards 11 total touchdowns
I feel the production increase from Clyde will come in receiving department. We should see a slight increase in carries after only playing in 13 games in 2020. I can’t picture Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy using any of the back is a workhorse type of fashion. Clyde should be the first option of the running backs in the stable and is the best in receiving game with the highest upside. It should be a very solid second season for the Chiefs 2020 first-round pick.
Darrel Williams
Predicted Stat Line: 70 rushes 357 yards 19 receptions 247 yards and 7 total touchdowns
Darrel Williams has a solid role on this team. When called on he is always there. He has played meaningful snaps in each of the last two playoff runs and seems to have his best games in big moments. He will never be the flashiest back in Kansas City but he may be the most clutch and that is a huge asset.
Jerick McKinnon
Predicted State Line: 55 rushes 333 yards 15 receptions 220 yards 7 total touchdowns
McKinnon and Williams I project will have similar opportunities and numbers coming this season. As strongly as I feel Williams having a niche role, I feel that McKinnon will be the one who fills in for Edwards-Helaire for rest and injury. The sixth-year pro has a very similar game to Clyde, is a better pass protector and just offers another quality body out of the backfield. I expect Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy to find plenty of ways to use McKinnon this season.
Michael Burton
Predicted Stat Line: 4 rushes 13 yards 7 receptions 108 yards 2 total touchdowns
The Chiefs chose to keep fullback Michael Burton on the roster I feel his production will be similar to that of Anthony “The Sausage” Sherman’s. Any production from Burton will be completely complimentary and a bonus to the Chiefs stat lines.
Derrick Gore
Stat Line: 24 carries 121 yards 5 receptions 88 yards 3 total touchdowns
In a meaningless week 18 matchup for the Chiefs, Derrick Gore goes off after being activated from the practice squad for the first time against the Broncos. The Chiefs have no reason to win but sneak out of Mile High with a 24-22 walk-off victory as Butker nails a 49-yard field goal as time expires.
