Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco enjoyed his time with the backfield all to himself last Sunday, leaving Week 12's 31-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with career highs in snap share (81.0%), route participation (51.4%), and full-PPR fantasy score (25.9 points). With head coach Andy Reid expecting Jerick McKinnon (groin) back for Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, Pacheco's possession of a backfield monopoly could be a short-lived one. Pacheco has operated as K.C.'s workhorse runner all year long, sitting ninth in carries (158) and red-zone touches (29). The 2022 seventh-round pick has shown exceptional growth in receiving ability this year after appearing very raw in that area in Year 1, ranking fourth in catch rate (88.9%) among RBs by reeling in 30-of-34 passes. Green Bay is giving up the seventh-most yards per carry (4.4) and 10th-most average fantasy points (23.60) to opposing RBs, making Pacheco a rock-solid RB2.
Dec 1, 2023 11:29 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco achieved his first career two-touchdown game on the ground in Week 12's 31-17 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 15 carries for 55 yards with five receptions for 34 additional yards. After change-of-pace back Clyde Edwards-Helaire failed to punch it in on a few goal-line carries, Pacheco was summoned to crash his way into the end zone in the second quarter. It appeared Pacheco took a Patrick Mahomes pass for a 14-yard house call during the third period, but he was ruled short of the goal-line, only to cash in another short TD plunge on the ensuing play. Pacheco's receiving numbers were also relieving to see, as the second-year grinding tailback was sitting on negative yardage in this department over his last three displays combined. Pacheco will find himself right back on the RB2 map in a Week 13 road matchup that sees the Chiefs square off with the Green Bay Packers.
Nov 27, 2023 1:19 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has consistently run circles around his backfield competition, entrenching himself as K.C.'s workhorse runner leading into Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. While that bodes well for Pacheco, he's simultaneously closed as the RB24 or worse in three straight games after ending as the RB14 or better during the prior five occasions. His receiving yards (-1) and touchdowns (zero) drying up over his last three outings, Pacheco's floor looks a bit more compromised than it had been throughout the first half of the season. Nonetheless, Pacheco is a high-end RB2 with Jerick McKinnon (groin) out against a Raiders defense yielding the fourth-most yards per carry (4.5) and sixth-most average fantasy points (24.90) this year. And with the Chiefs coming in as the largest favorites of Sunday's slate, the 2022 seventh-round pick should be started with some level of confidence despite his recent fantasy shortcomings.
Nov 26, 2023 12:12 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco ran well during Monday's 21-17 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, taking 19 carries for 89 yards with one two-yard reception. Pacheco penetrated Philly's fortress of a run defense when he reached the edge for 24-yard sprint during the first period, and he managed several other solid gains throughout the course of the evening. While it was the 24-year-old's third consecutive effort without finding the end zone, it was certainly impressive to see him get the better of the NFL's best rushing defense. After teasing growth in the receiving area, Pacheco does troublingly sit at negative yardage in this department over his last three displays combined. The 2022 seventh-rounder is still dominating backfield work for head coach Andy Reid, and Pacheco seems to have settled in as an every-week RB2 for the remainder of the campaign.
Nov 21, 2023 1:47 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is trending down at the wrong time ahead of a rigid Week 11 matchup and Super Bowl LVII rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. Between Weeks 3-7, Pacheco steadily collected RB14 finishes or better in full-PPR formats during each time out. Despite playing a season-high 68.4% of K.C.'s offensive snaps with the Chiefs nursing a lead in the defensive-centered Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins, Pacheco perplexingly recorded his weakest PPR fantasy output of the campaign. Things won't get any easier for the Rutgers product against Philly, whose formidable front seven sports the NFL's best run defense in respect to average fantasy points allowed (14.18). While Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire remain footnotes, Pacheco's featured role as the lead back in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense keeps him in play as a midrange RB2 despite facing the worst conceivable on-paper setup.
Nov 18, 2023 10:19 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco didn't do much that stood out in Week 9's 21-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins, handling 16 carries for 66 scoreless yards. It was a ho-hum fantasy score for Pacheco, who managed a nine-yard gain for his longest run of the day. The 24-year-old also watched as scat back Jerick McKinnon brought in a 17-yard check-down to the house during the second period. Pacheco is riding a rock-solid 16-game pace of 1,050 rushing yards (248 carries), 48 catches, 320 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns as K.C.'s established bell-cow tailback. The 2022 seventh-rounder will rest up during a Week 10 bye leading into a nightmarish matchup with a fearsome Philadelphia Eagles run defense in Week 11, but it could be a high-scoring affair.
Nov 6, 2023 1:35 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco hit his first major roadblock in Week 8's surprising loss to the Denver Broncos, matching a season worst in carries (eight) and setting new low marks in total yards (37) and red-zone carries (zero). With quarterback Patrick Mahomes stifled last Sunday, the Chiefs had little chance of establishing the ground game against a league-worst Broncos run defense. While it was a big missed opportunity for Pacheco to pop off for a huge game, the 23-year-old will look to shake it off in Week 9's Germany clash with the Miami Dolphins. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense has been relatively middle-of-the-pack in most rushing categories, but the third-most rushing scores (six) is an area that stands out for Pacheco to potentially take advantage of. Dominating backfield opportunities and now with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) out, Pacheco is a decent bet find the end zone as a high-floor RB2 on Sunday.
Nov 3, 2023 11:25 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco fell out of the game plan due to negative game script in Week 8's staggering 24-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, totaling 37 scoreless yards on 11 touches. Things were fine in the first half for the 24-year-old with 35 rushing yards on seven carries, featuring a 19-yard gain, but Pacheco strikingly went backward for 10 yards on two receptions. The Chiefs were then forced to abandon the ground game altogether as they continued to trail, which wound up leaving Pacheco with one second-half rushing attempt and exposing his fantasy floor. The 2022 seventh-round pick had been so dependable for fantasy managers up until this point, so there's hardly much reason to panic. In fact, Pacheco should carry tons of upside as an RB2 in Week 9's Germany duel and offensive bounce-back chance against the fellow AFC heavyweight Miami Dolphins.
Oct 30, 2023 12:46 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has proven to be one of fantasy's highest-floor plays at the position, with his worst full-PPR result yielding an RB30 outcome in the opener. Albeit with just one finish exceeding the top 12 in these settings that came in Week 4, Pacheco has gripped a stranglehold on the backfield reins with steady averages of 96.2 total yards on 19.2 touches (3.2 catches) to go with four scrimmage touchdowns over his last five games. The 23-year-old also has at least one red-zone carry in each 2023 contest. Pacheco next takes on a Denver Broncos defense that's hemorrhaging the most fantasy points (37.14) and rushing yards (167.3) per game, plus yards per carry (5.5). Continually improving as a receiver with 1.99 yards per route run (82 routes), the 2022 seventh-round pick has ingrained himself in weekly top-12 conversations as a borderline RB1/2 on Sunday in Week 8.
Oct 28, 2023 12:54 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco struggled to find running room in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing 13 times for 32 yards on the ground. But Pacheco continued to show off his newfound pass-catching ability, corralling each of his four targets for 28 yards and a touchdown on an eight-yard screen play to give the Chiefs a two-score lead in the fourth period. The 24-year-old is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry across his prior three outings, but Pacheco is establishing a decent receiving floor with at least two catches in five out of seven 2023 games. The 2022 seventh-rounder has consistently returned weekly value in the top-12 range over the past month and will be an upside RB2 next Sunday against a Denver Broncos defense bleeding RB production this season.
Oct 23, 2023 1:26 AM EST
After catching six passes in Week 6, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has already surpassed 2022's 13-catch total with 17 receptions through just six 2023 games. Since the calendar flipped to October, Pacheco has consistently accounted for 60% of the team's offensive snaps to go with a 17-touch floor tracing back to Week 3. The 23-year-old has closed as fantasy's overall RB14 or better in full-PPR scoring during each of his last four outings. Pacheco holds a healthy 22 red-zone touches and seems to have grown as a receiver with the fourth-highest yards per route run (2.01) at the position. The Los Angeles Chargers have been bruised by opposing RBs for the seventh-most fantasy points per game (24.40) this season. Leaving backups Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the dust, Pacheco belongs on the RB1/2 borderline as a top-12 option in all formats on a Week 7 slate with six squads on bye.
Oct 21, 2023 2:41 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco took 16 carries for 62 yards with six catches for 36 yards in Thursday's 19-8 win over the Denver Broncos. Pacheco had a strong first half, churning out a healthy 61 yards over 11 touches. The Chiefs played from ahead throughout the contest but couldn't establish the running game late, with their lack of perimeter threats unable to help free up the trenches. Pacheco is still losing occasional passing-down work to Jerick McKinnon in two-minute situations, but the former has virtually served as an extension of KC's short-area receiving game due to a lack of better options. It may not have been a monster night, but Pacheco has easily been the most reliable member of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' supporting cast outside of Travis Kelce thus far. The 2022 seventh-round pick will remain an upside RB2 against another leaky defense in the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7.
Oct 13, 2023 12:55 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is really starting to separate himself for backfield work just in time to face a league-worst Denver Broncos run defense in Week 6. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's unit has been flattened for the worst yards per carry (5.9), fantasy points per game (42.34), and goal-to-go touches (27) to RBs this season. With the Chiefs checking in as double-digit favorites on Thursday at home against the 1-4 Broncos, Pacheco offers an exciting blend of yardage potential and scoring upside in an ideal setting. Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire have proven to be no threat to his featured role, and Pacheco's bruising style figures to be leaned on if KC indeed gets out to a lead. Perhaps in the best spot he's seen this season so far, it's fair to grade Pacheco as a top-12 play for the first time this year.
Oct 11, 2023 10:17 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco took 16 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown with a nine-yard reception in Week 5's 27-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Pacheco pushed past the goal line on a one-yard touchdown following a Vikings giveaway as their fumbles woes continued. He teased that a big afternoon was in store after Pacheco handled four carries for 21 yards on KC's initial drive, but saw just one more touch amid their sloppy first half. Pacheco got plenty of work late in the game with the Chiefs eventually pulling away a bit and forming a lead for the 24-year-old tailback to help protect. Pacheco remains well ahead of Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire after his backfield mates combined for six touches on Sunday. The 2022 seventh-round pick should be in the high-end RB2 discussion with his team setting up as big favorites for Week 6 versus the Denver Broncos Thursday.
Oct 9, 2023 1:55 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is running on a nice start to the campaign, cracking fantasy's top 12 in half-PPR scoring (53.00). Following his 158-yard outburst on a season-high 60% snap rate in Week 5 against the New York Jets, Pacheco places sixth among RBs in red-zone touches (15), tripling the combined total of Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (five). While still technically profiling as a weaker option than McKinnon in the passing game, Pacheco is staking his claim for more work there with an effective 9.0 yards per reception and 2.09 yards per route run. Underneath an abysmal pass defense, the Minnesota Vikings have managed to achieve the sixth-best opponent yards per carry (3.5) in the NFL. A healthy dose of positive game script has also paved the way for Pacheco's strong start, and the 24-year-old has nonetheless earned weekly RB2 treatment for Week 5 with McKinnon and CEH currently relegated to ancillary roles.
Oct 7, 2023 3:40 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco took 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown with three catches for an additional 43 yards in Week 4's 23-20 win over the New York Jets. Pacheco ran like a man possessed in this one, accelerating for a 48-yard dash to the house in his hometown of New Jersey to score the game's first touchdown. He later found a hole in the flat on a Patrick Mahomes checkdown for a 33-yard catch-and-run en route to a loud 126-yard first half. The 2022 seventh-rounder's 158 scrimmage yards easily signify a new career high, and it feels like a ceiling outcome in fantasy for Pacheco with the Chiefs nursing a lead on Sunday night. Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire remain involved, but Pacheco has certainly been the most effective runner and should warrant mid-range RB2 treatment in Week 5's trip to visit the Vikings in Minnesota.
Oct 2, 2023 3:01 AM EST
Running back Isiah Pacheco (abdomen) has been given the go-ahead to play in the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 4 game against the New York Jets. In Week 3 against the Bears, the back suffered an abdomen injury but was able to stay in that game and practice in full all week long. In spite of the injury, and a season-low 42% snap share, he had his most productive game of the season against Chicago, finishing with 15 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown and adding 16 more yards on his two receptions. Pacheco will still be splitting backfield reps with Jerome McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire against the Jets who have managed to prevent a rushing touchdown through the first three weeks of the season. Pacheco can again be considered a low-end RB2 in Week 4.
Sep 30, 2023 12:46 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring) rushed 15 times for 62 yards and a touchdown with two receptions for 16 yards in Week 3's crushing 41-10 win over the Chicago Bears. The 24-year-old was rocked on a helmet-to-helmet hit while attempting to find the end zone in the first quarter, ceding the goal-to-go score to Jerick McKinnon a few plays later. Pacheco ripped off an 18-yard scamper early in the second period, but watched as other backfield mate Clyde Edwards-Helaire fought his way past the goal line for a one-yard touchdown later that drive. Pacheco finally joined the party, however, visiting the end zone following a Chiefs takeaway to cap off a strong 66-yard first half. Pacheco delivered in a smash spot for K.C.'s running game on Sunday, but could have had an enormous day, considering there were four RB scores to be had. The 2022 seventh-rounder might embrace a heavy workload if the sputtering New York Jets fall behind in Week 4 next Sunday night.
Sep 25, 2023 1:47 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring) is expected to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had been listed as questionable. The 23-year-old has 93 rushing and 31 receiving yards through two games, though his fantasy value could rise to the RB2 range if the Chiefs jump out to an early lead over the Bears and operate with a run-heavy approach.
Sep 24, 2023 8:35 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Pacheco has been limited during practice this week, but still appears to be in good shape for this contest. Right now, the plan is for Pacheco to warm up with the team and see how his hamstring feels. That being said, Pacheco appears to be a legitimate game-time decision for Sunday's contest. If he sits out, Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire would likely split up the reps in the backfield. Neither of them have great fantasy appeal, but could be possible deep league options if Pacheco is unable to play.
Sep 23, 2023 8:12 PM EST
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