Williams heading to Chicago

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Chiefs are releasing RB Damien Williams. The veteran, of course, opted out of the 2020 season for COVID reasons. His departure now creates a potential opportunity for Darwin Thompson to fight for the #2 job. Neither Darrel Williams nor Le'Veon Bell is under contract for 2021, leaving only Thompson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. We'd bet on the Chiefs adding more either in free agency or the draft. Thompson is a fine shot to take late in best-ball drafts right now, though, in case he reaches the season as K.C.'s 2nd back.

Chiefs RB Damien Williams has opted out for the 2020 season. This one has huge fantasy implications, as Williams was set to battle with rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the majority of the RB work in 1 of the game's top offenses. Kansas City's depth chart behind CEH now reads: Darwin Thompson, DeAndre Washington, Darrel Williams and Elijah McGuire. Thompson and Washington are both undersized, change-of-pace types. Williams and McGuire have more size but look like career journeyman. So Edwards-Helaire is now a virtual lock to lead the 2020 Chiefs backfield in touches -- and he'll likely dominate them. That's a pristine spot to be in, with QB Patrick Mahomes and a HC in Andy Reid who's produced a top-16 PPR RB in 16 of his 21 seasons as a HC, including 10 top-10 finishers. Check out Edwards-Helaire's updated projections and spot in the RB rankings.

Chiefs RB Damien Williams (rib) practiced all week and isn’t listed on the final injury report. He’ll return for Sunday night’s game against the Bears — his 1st action since Week 11. Williams averaged 9.9 carries and 3.3 targets over his first 8 games of the season. That feels like a fair projection for Week 16, making him a RB3 with some upside in this explosive offense.

Chiefs RB Damien Williams (rib) is inactive for today’s game against the Broncos. That again leaves Kansas City with RBs LeSean McCoy, Darwin Thompson and Spencer Ware. McCoy is the best fantasy bet in the committee but should only be considered a RB3 or flex option.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Chiefs RB Damien Williams is expected to be inactive for today's game against the Broncos. He's officially questionable after missing Friday's practice, following 2 days of limited workouts with his rib injury. Williams' expected absence leaves touches available for LeSean McCoy, Spencer Ware and Darwin Thompson. McCoy should be the 1st Chiefs RB into fantasy football lineups. Just don't expect him to dominate work. McCoy hasn't exceeded 12 carries or 14 touches in a game this year.