Le’Veon Bell could truly break out in December for Chiefs

The Chiefs made a splash on October 15th when they inked Le’Veon Bell. His biggest days in a Chiefs uniform are yet to come.

The 2020 Kansas City Chiefs are not the type of team to have to rely on their run game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was awarded the AFC Offensive Player of the Month on Friday, and rightfully so: the Chiefs’ signal caller and MVP-elect is the capstone for Kansas City’s elite passing offense.

But Kansas City could unleash a new element in December.

Reserve running back Le’Veon Bell has had a few weeks to get into the playbook and get accustomed to his role. Fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire may be the starter, but Andy Reid is cautious not to overload his first-round rookie. Edwards-Helaire missed two practices this week with a stomach illness, and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

The interesting thing here is what history tells us about Bell during the month of December. Take a look at these numbers:

Is it just that Bell plays better in the cold? Possibly. Interestingly enough, Arrowhead Stadium is the southern-most location that he has ever called home. Bell grew up in Ohio and played collegiately at Michigan State before being drafted by the Steelers. So it would make sense why the seven-year veteran is at his best in colder temperatures.

Bell was released by the Jets in October. It all seemed too good to be true when word broke that the Chiefs were in on Bell, but when the dust settled, the 28-year-old running back chose Kansas City. For the first time in his career, he is a backup, and he seems content with that—for now.

While Bell has not had a true coming-out party yet in Kansas City, we have good reason to think that December could be the time for him to shine.