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AFC West positional rankings: Josh Jacobs leads division’s running backs

By Grant Tuttle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders dives for the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs

#2 Running back: Jerick McKinnon

This is quite a tandem to put behind the new, revamped Kansas City offensive line. Clyde Edward-Helaire presents a mismatch in the passing game and Jerick McKinnon offers excellent speed out of the backfield. Both players here have incredibly high ceilings and will have their best opportunity yet to prove themselves.

Edwards-Helaire was drafted 32nd overall after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory in 2020. To the dismay of many fans that were concerned about draft value, Brett Veach took the first running back off the board in the draft. In his first season, Edwards-Helaire showed flashes but struggled to find consistency. Behind a new offensive line and a year of training with the offense, Edwards-Helaire is primed and ready for a big season.

Jerick McKinnon has been a lifetime second option at running back. That’s not to say that there is not significant potential in his game. McKinnon has never surpassed 600 yards rushing in a season. He has, however been a very good receiving back wherever he has been. The combination of McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire will be lethal in a passing attack that features Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes.

This season, the Kansas City running backs should have a great opportunity. The Chiefs have a top-end offensive line that is underrated in the run blocking category. Edwards-Helaire will be given new looks and will be schemed in more as a mismatch this season. The Chiefs could go from #3 to #1 in one season.

Edwards-Helaire last season: 181 carries for 803 yards, 4.4 ypc, 4 touchdowns. 36 receptions for 297 yards and 1 touchdown.

McKinnon last season: 81 carries for 319 yards, 3.9 ypc, 5 touchdown. 33 receptions for 253 yards and 1 touchdown.

Edwards-Helaire 2021-2022 prediction: 238 carries for 1088 yards, 4.5 ypc. 48 receptions for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns.

McKinnon 2021-2022 prediction: 91 carries for 372 yards, 4.0 ypc. 21 receptions for 172 yards.

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