Melvin Gordon III

Despite just 82 carries (35th among running backs), Lindsay ranks fifth in the NFL with eight 15-plus yard runs. Those long runs account for most of his production this year. In fact, those eight runs make up 46.4 percent of his rushing yardage this year. Sadly, he looks likely to miss this game. That would put Gordon back in the driver's seat. In the three games without Lindsay in the lineup earlier this season, Gordon had 21, 12, and 25 touches. The 12-touch game came against the Bucs, so it was understandable. If you're looking for production against the Chiefs, the running back position is a good place to look. Of the production they've allowed to skill-position players, running backs have accounted for 34.9 percent of it, which ranks as the fifth-highest percentage in the league. Running backs have accumulated 27.8 touches per game against them, and those touches have netted solid fantasy production. The Chiefs rank right around the league average in efficiency against running backs, which explains why there have been nine running backs who've finished as the RB25 or better against them despite the negative gamescripts. Here's a great thing for Gordon's floor: There's been no running back who's totaled more than 12 touches and finished with fewer than 10 PPR points against them. Damien Harris was the only one who didn't finish as a top-25 option in that group, but he still posted 100 yards on his 17 carries, which is hardly a bad game. Gordon himself saw 19 touches against them back in Week 7 where he finished with 80 total yards and a touchdown. If Lindsay is out of the lineup, Gordon should be considered a solid RB2 for this game who should net 15-plus touches. If Lindsay plays, I'd still prefer Gordon, but he'd be more of a high-end RB3 while Lindsay would be a risky low-end RB3.

Melvin Gordon III bottoms out with 31 yards in loss

Denver Broncos RB Melvin Gordon III rushed 12 times for 31 yards in the Broncos' 31-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 12.

Fantasy Impact

The Saints defense stacked the box against the shorthanded Broncos, which led to Gordon having very minimal rushing lanes all game. If there is any silver lining to his subpar performance, fellow RB mate Phillip Lindsay left the game with a knee injury. Assuming the Broncos will be near full strength next week, he'll have one less RB to compete with for carries. Gordon will be a low-end RB2/flex against Kansas City in Week 13.