While James Conner has been capitalizing on touchdown opportunities in the Arizona Cardinals’ offense, Chase Edmonds has been securing his role by splitting carries and contributing to the high-powered passing attack that Kyler Murray is orchestrating. Both backs have their own abilities and factor into the offensive plan in different ways. For Edmonds, it’s the ability to make big plays, both on the ground and through the air. As the Cardinals get ready to square off with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, what should we expect from Edmonds in fantasy football?
Chase Edmonds makes big plays
Edmonds is averaging 5.8 yards per carry this season. Among players that average at least 6.25 carries per game, Edmonds’ ypc is third in the NFL behind only Lamar Jackson and Tony Pollard. He has two runs of 40+ yards and has 27 receptions through seven games.
Edmonds has logged at least 75 scrimmage yards in five of seven games. The only thing holding him back has been touchdowns — or a lack thereof. He’s yet to find the end zone.
That’s honestly shocking in an offense putting up the fourth-most points per game in the NFL at 32.1.
Edmonds’ upside is lacking with James Conner in the fold
The biggest hindrance to Edmonds finding his ceiling is Conner, who’s not only splitting the backfield but is also taking all the touchdowns. Conner is pacing Edmonds in rush attempts this year (89-68) and has found the end zone 6 times.
When this high-octane offense reaches the red zone, Conner comes on the field — he has 37 red-zone rushing attempts to Edmonds’ 17. Edmonds has 5 targets inside the 20-yard line, but none inside the 10. When the Cardinals get in close, this backfield belongs to Conner.
Yes, Edmonds has value because of his explosive playmaking ability and his usage in the backfield and passing game. But unless something happens to Conner (knock on wood), there is no reason to believe Edmonds will be able to carve out a larger role in this offense that would propel him to high-end RB2 status. As of now, Edmonds is locked into a timeshare with a hard ceiling on his upside due to a lack of touchdown opportunities.
In a matchup with the Packers, who are allowing 120.9 rushing yards per game, Edmonds is once again a flex play for Week 8. Let’s hope he can finally break through and get his first touchdown of the season.
