Clyde Edwards-Helaire Should be Ready in a 'Couple of Weeks' and Chiefs Need Him

Chiefs running back coach Deland McCullough told the Kansas City Star that it appears Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be ready in a "couple of weeks."

The report doesn't specify if the target return is the divisional round or the AFC Championship Game, which Chiefs would have to advance to get to. 

 

Edwards-Helaire's health and availability could play a vital role in the fate of the Chiefs' season. In a potential playoff matchup with Buffalo, Kansas City will need Edwards-Helaire near 100%. In Week 6, Edwards-Helaire's 162 rushing yards was the difference in the Chiefs' 26-17 win over the Bills.

Kansas City also isn't in a position to play without its weapons. From September to December, its offense regressed dramatically. The last time the starters played together, they produced just 17 points against a poor Falcons' defense. Patrick Mahomes was not in sync with his receivers for the entire month of December. The Chiefs have not won a game by more than 6 points since November 1.

By contrast, the Bills are hitting on all cylinders, blowing everyone out. Should both teams head into the matchup in their post-Thanksgiving forms, the Bills would slaughter the Chiefs, though that might be looking too far ahead.

Assuming both the Bills and Steelers win this weekend — both are favored — the Chiefs will host the winner of the Ravens-Titans matchup in the divisional round. The Ravens and Titans are the NFL's two most dangerous teams on the ground, so Kansas City would have to counter with a better option than Le'Veon Bell and his dial-up internet speed.

For all the hype Mahomes, Hill, and Kelce receive — Damien Williams, the running back, was the Chiefs' best player in last season's Super Bowl.

I don't see the Chiefs repeating as champions. The team has unfixable issues on the offensive line and on defense, but I like their chances far more with a healthy Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the ground.