Is Melvin Gordon III A Good Fit For The Chiefs? Is Melvin Gordon III A Good Waiver Wire Pickup?

Former Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon was waived a week ago after he fumbled in the team’s 22-16 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran running back went unclaimed but found a new home earlier today.

The former first-round pick is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. After starting his career with the Los Angeles Chargers and then the Broncos, Gordon is joining his third AFC West team.

However, what impact with the veteran running back have on the Kansas City backfield and fantasy rosters?

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Is Melvin Gordon III A Good Fit For The Chiefs?

The Chiefs are signing Gordon to their practice squad. Though, he should join the active roster sooner than later.

This move is an excellent one for Kansas City. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was placed on the injured reserve last week, knocking him out until at least Week 16. Meanwhile, the rookie Isiah Pacheco led the backfield on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, with Jerick McKinnon and Ronald Jones also seeing some work.

However, the addition of Gordon gives the unit a veteran presence. He also has the most pedigree of anyone in the backfield.

Is Melvin Gordon III A Good Waiver Wire Pickup?

While Kansas City made an excellent football move, Gordon's arrival makes the team's backfield more complicated and messy for fantasy players.

Pacheco has played well lately, averaging 86 rushing yards and 10.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the past three weeks.

Furthermore, McKinnon has been a decent flex option in deeper leagues. The veteran has averaged 5.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season, scoring 7.4 or more fantasy points in two of the past four contests.

Lastly, Edwards-Helaire will return at some point this season after he recovers from an ankle injury. While he is unlikely to take back his starting role, the third-year player becomes one more option in a crowded Kansas City backfield.

Fantasy players should add Gordon off the waiver wire this week. The veteran is available in over 55% of ESPN leagues. However, they should temper expectations. Gordon has been an elite fantasy running back, but those days are far behind him. Yet, he could turn into a reliable low-end RB2, especially if Pacheco gets hurt.

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