Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Chase Edmonds may return from injury this week after missing multiple games with a hamstring injury, but he’s too risky for fantasy owners to count on with Kenyan Drake operating as the primary back for the past two games. Edmonds has potential in deep leagues as a roster-stash in case Drake falters or the team makes things even more confusing in regard to workload, but he definitely shouldn’t be in lineups at this time.
Week 8 at New Orleans Saints
Chase Edmonds had a huge game against the Giants last week as starter David Johnson carried the ball only once, despite starting the game. Edmonds finished with 27 carries, 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the way to the Cardinals’ third consecutive win. Edmonds has been largely a handcuff for much of the season, but he’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has value as the starter if Johnson misses extended time.
With Johnson’s status in the air this week and the Cardinals adding veteran backs to the roster, expect Edmonds to get a full workload against the Saints. It’s not a great matchup for him, as the Saints are fourth in the league in aFPA to opposing running backs, but workload should still make him a candidate for RB2 numbers. He should be a hot waiver addition for teams needing help at the position.
Week 7 at New York Giants
Chase Edmonds saw some extra work last week with David Johnson questionable going into the game, but was still limited to seven touches on the day, including a pair of receptions. He wound up with 67 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, but those seem like best-case numbers that are unlikely to be repeated with a healthy Johnson. Edmonds is a high-quality handcuff, but shouldn’t be viewed as much more than that.
Week 6 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Chase Edmonds got eight carries last week and gained 68 yards on the ground. He also scored his first touchdown of the season. Edmonds is a change-of-pace back behind David Johnson, however, and unless something happens to Johnson, Edmonds will have limited value. While he may vulture a touchdown or have an occasional big play, he’s far too risky to trust inserting into fantasy lineups as long as Johnson is active.
Week 17 at Seattle Seahawks
Chase Edmonds has gotten change-of-pace work behind David Johnson throughout the season, including eight carries and two receptions in Week 15 against the Falcons. He’s only averaging 3.6 yards on 54 carries though and has very little fantasy value in the league’s worst offense. Leave him on waivers.
Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Chase Edmonds had five carries for 10 yards last week in a loss to the Bears. He’s a change-of-pace option for the Cardinals behind David Johnson, but it was good to see him get five carries. He’ll likely continue to be mixed in occasionally, without actually seeing any significant snaps. Johnson’s job is secure and Edmonds should only be owned as a handcuff.
Fantasy Upside
Per his NFL.com profile, Edmonds is a highly productive runner with a compact frame, good agility, and plus athletic traits. According to Rookie Scouting Portfolio author Matt Waldman, Edmonds is capable of emerging as a Brian Westbrook/Gio Bernard/Jerick McKinnon complement.
Fantasy Downside
As NFL.com suggested, while he flourished against a lower level of competition, Edmonds may find that he's unable to beat NFL defenses with burst alone. The NFL.com profile continued: "Edmonds needs to play with more consistent pace and decisiveness to reach his potential. He has the talent to fit into a committee approach but could be limited to more outside running duties."
2018 Bottom Line
Edmonds earns a direct comparison to Duke Johnson, but Waldman believes the rookie has the frame to earn another 10 pounds and earn Jerick McKinnon comps. He's a change-of-pace back now but could become something more in 2-3 years. Fantasy managers invested in (or planning to invest in) David Johnson should watch to see if Edmonds can emerge as a viable handcuff.
