Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been a shell of his former self since returning from injury. Even when given the opportunity to start last week's contest, Pacheco remained inefficient and ceded work to veteran Kareem Hunt. The 25-year-old handled five carries for 18 yards against the Texans, compared to eight carries, 44 yards, and a touchdown for Hunt. Given the importance of the matchup and Pacheco's struggles, the Chiefs likely lean on Hunt as their workhorse back in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Kansas City will face the potent Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead to determine who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. With the Chiefs searching for a historic three-peat, the stakes are too high to rely on Pacheco. The second-year back should not be viewed as a start-worthy asset in fantasy playoff leagues and should be considered a dart-throw option in DFS leagues.
Jan 25, 2025 4:25 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled five carries for 18 yards in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday. Despite being the starting running back, Pacheco lost work and ceded a touchdown to Kareem Hunt later in the game. Pacheco was stuffed on his first carry and dropped his only target of the game on the team's first drive. Despite having nearly three weeks to rest and prepare for this contest, Pacheco has not regained his pre-injury form. The explosive second-year back was held to just 3.6 yards per carry in this contest. Given how Hunt has performed, Pacheco will likely remain the backup for the AFC Championship game next week. The Chiefs will take on the winner of the Divisional Round matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. Regardless of their opponent, Pacheco's value will remain low as the RB2 on the team.
Jan 19, 2025 3:58 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was listed on the injury report with a rib injury but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation for this game. The second-year back has had nearly three weeks to recover since the last time he suited up, so he should be back to full strength come Saturday. Pacheco has been competing with Kareem Hunt for touches out of the backfield, and Hunt appeared to be winning that battle when the duo last played in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pacheco handled six carries for 18 yards compared to nine carries for 20 yards and a touchdown for Hunt. It is possible that the Chiefs were limiting his touches after his return from injury, so it will be interesting to see how the split shakes out in the team's return to play against the Houston Texans. The Texans held the Los Angeles Chargers to 12 points while also collecting four sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown. Given the uncertainty around his workload, the 25-year-old is risky to play in playoff leagues. Pacheco is a much better DFS play in case the team decides to lean on him in the run game. The Chiefs are touchdown home favorites, so whichever running back leads the backfield should have some value.
Jan 17, 2025 3:57 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) was a full participant for the second straight day this week in practice on Wednesday and is trending in the right direction to play against the Houston Texans on Saturday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Although the rib injury that Pacheco suffered in Week 17 on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers was not considered serious, the Chiefs held Pacheco out of the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, and he had an extra week to rest during the bye in the wild-card round. The 25-year-old is now fully ready to go for this Saturday's game against Houston, where he will likely share backfield duties with Kareem Hunt. Pacheco broke his leg early in the year and didn't return from Injured Reserve until Week 13. Once back, he played less than half the offensive snaps in all five games, and that could continue against the Texans.
Jan 15, 2025 8:02 PM EST
According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) logged a full practice on Tuesday. Pacheco sustained a rib injury during their Week 17 victory over the Steelers and was held out of action in Week 18 as the Chiefs already locked up the top seed in the conference. However, seeing the 25-year-old open the week as a full participant suggests he will be a full-go for Saturday's game against the Houston Texans. Since returning from a fractured fibula in Week 13, Pacheco has averaged just 35.0 rushing yards per game and has been in a split committee with Kareem Hunt. During this stretch, he only logged double-digit attempts in two contests. Fantasy managers should view Pacheco as a low-end RB2 in DFS formats facing the Houston Texans.
Jan 14, 2025 6:20 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) returned to the practice field on Friday, according to head coach Andy Reid. It's not an official practice for the Chiefs since they are on bye for the wild-card round of the playoffs this week, but it's a good sign for Pacheco's availability next week for the Divisional Round. Along with most of the Chiefs regulars, the 25-year-old was held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos so that he could rest up for the postseason. The extra rest should help Pacheco get back on the field for the Divisional Round, but we'll have a better idea of his status once the Chiefs resume official practices next week. If he's active next weekend, Pacheco could share more work with backfield mate Kareem Hunt. Pacheco played in a career-low seven games in 2024 due to a broken leg and may not be back to full speed until next season.
Jan 10, 2025 12:30 PM EST
According to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) will not practice on Wednesday. Earlier this week, head coach Andy Reid noted that the running back will be available for the playoffs but will be held out of practice this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during the week but should not expect him to suit up in Week 18, as the Chiefs are already locked into the No.1 seed in the AFC. This means that Pacheco will have another week off before they return to action in the Divisional Round. Since returning in Week 13 from a fractured fibula that kept him sidelined through most of the season, he averaged just over ten total touches per game, operating as the "1A" in the backfield alongside Kareem Hunt. Given his injury history this season, Hunt will likely continue to limit his overall ceiling.
Jan 1, 2025 1:10 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that he will probably hold running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) back in practice this week, but he expects the RB to be ready to go for the playoffs. Reid said that Pacheco "dinged his ribs" in the Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The 25-year-old finished with only six carries for 18 yards last Wednesday before departing in the fourth quarter. With the Chiefs locked into the AFC's top seed for the playoffs, they will most likely rest most of their starters, including Pacheco, in Week 18 against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Fellow RB Kareem Hunt might also see minimal run, if any at all, this weekend with KC having nothing to play for. If both Pacheco and Hunt are rested completely, look for Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele to share backfield touches for an offense that will be run by backup QB Carson Wentz.
Dec 30, 2024 1:24 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled six carries for 18 yards in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Pacheco was forced out of the game in the fourth quarter with a rib injury and did not return. The severity of Pacheco's rib injury is not yet known. The 25-year-old once again played second fiddle to veteran Kareem Hunt, but both backs were inefficient on the ground. Pacheco also did not receive any work in the passing game this week. With Hunt receiving more work every week and Pacheco picking up a rib injury, the Chiefs likely lean in Hunt's direction the next time both backs are active. The Chiefs have nothing left to play for in the regular season since they clinched the top seed in the AFC with this win. Pacheco should be expected to rest in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.
Dec 26, 2024 4:40 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) is questionable to return in Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pacheco injured his ribs during Wednesday's contest and exited in the second half. With just under six minutes to go and a 19-point lead, Pacheco will likely be done for the day. The 25-year-old rushed for 18 yards on six carries and wasn't targeted in the Christmas game. Pacheco has been outplayed by Kareem Hunt recently, but the Chiefs continue to use a backfield by the committee. Hunt should see the majority of touches with Pacheco sidelined. The 29-year-old has already found the end zone and is currently the team's leading rusher with 20 rushing yards. If Pacheco doesn't return on Wednesday, his next chance to return will be the regular season finale against the Denver Broncos.
Dec 25, 2024 3:49 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day in Week 17. Pacheco was expected to be the team's starting running back upon returning from the injured reserve, but that has not been the case over the last few games. The 25-year-old took a backseat to Kareem Hunt in Week 16 against the Texans. Hunt handled more carries and catches while finding the endzone in last week's contest. Pacheco will have to hope the split leans more in his direction this week against the Steelers, who rank 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Pacheco is ranked RB35 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex option this week. It will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust either running back in the Chiefs backfield if they continue to split opportunities.
Dec 24, 2024 2:02 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Pacheco appeared to emerge as the lead back in Week 14, earning 16 touches compared to six for Kareem Hunt, but that changed in Week 15. The two running backs each handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, and Hunt outproduced Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how the backfield split shakes out this week against the Houston Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this year. The 25-year-old is ranked RB25 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a low-end RB2/Flex option this week. Fantasy managers will have a tough time trusting Pacheco in the fantasy playoffs, especially with Hunt stealing touches.
Dec 20, 2024 4:35 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 13 carries for 32 yards and one catch for 15 yards in the 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. After dominating opportunities out of the backfield in Week 14, Pacheco evenly split the workload with Kareem Hunt in this contest. The 25-year-old was inefficient on the ground, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry in this game. If Pacheco is not the clear lead back for the Kansas City offense, it could be difficult to trust him in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. The Texans rank third in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the most challenging matchups. Patrick Mahomes also left this week's contest with an ankle injury, placing his future availability in question. The Chiefs offense would undoubtedly be worse without Mahomes, which would subsequently be worse for Pacheco's scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers must hope that Mahomes plays and trust that Pacheco's talent will allow him to earn more opportunities.
Dec 16, 2024 4:24 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 15. Pacheco had 14 carries for 55 yards and two catches for six yards against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14. Pacheco was the clear leadback for the Chiefs, earning 18 opportunities compared to six for Kareem Hunt. In his third game back, Pacheco should tighten his stranglehold on the opportunities out of the Kansas City backfield. The 25-year-old will have to run against the Browns, who rank seventh in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. The Cleveland front is a formidable unit to face, but the Chiefs have demonstrated a willingness to run the ball often, especially with the ball in Pacheco's hands. Pacheco is ranked RB26 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him an RB2/RB3 option this week. Despite the difficult matchup, fantasy managers should find a way to get Pacheco into their lineups.
Dec 14, 2024 12:16 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 14 carries for 55 yards and two catches for six yards in the 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old was the clear lead back for the Chiefs in Week 14, as Kareem Hunt handled just five carries and one catch for 29 total yards. Neither back was incredibly efficient on the ground, as they both averaged under four yards per carry, but Pacheco's 14 carries bode well for his fantasy performances moving forward. The Chiefs running back will look to have more success next week against the Cleveland Browns, who rank seventh in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The Browns front seven is a strong unit at rushing the quarterback back and stopping the run, leading most teams to throw against the secondary, but Pacheco should still have touchdown upside in any matchup. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by Pacheco's role in his second game back and expect that role to continue to grow.
Dec 9, 2024 10:29 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in Week 14. Pacheco returned from injured reserve last week and handled seven carries for 44 yards and one catch for five yards in their close victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco and Kareem Hunt split the carries evenly, but Pacheco showed that he was still the more explosive back of the duo. Another week removed from injured reserve, the 25-year-old should handle a larger share of the backfield opportunities. That said, it will not be a cakewalk matchup for Pacheco against the Chargers. The Chargers rank sixth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the more difficult matchups for the position. Pacheco is ranked RB21 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a low-end RB2 option. Fantasy managers should excited to start Pacheco, despite the poor matchup, due to his ability to create big plays and the fact that there are six teams on bye this week.
Dec 7, 2024 11:34 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had seven carries for 44 yards in the 19-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco also had one catch for five yards in this contest. The Raiders almost played spoiler in Pacheco's first game back, but they fumbled the game away in the final minute. The 25-year-old displayed his explosiveness with a 34-yard run, raising his yards per carry average to 6.3 in this game. Pacheco received the same number of carries as Kareem Hunt, making it a true 50/50 split in his return to action. That said, Pacheco is the younger and more explosive back, so the split should begin to lean more in his direction. Pacheco will look to be more involved next week against the Los Angeles Chargers, who rank fifth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by how good Pacheco looked in his first game back, but expect it to take a few games before he gets the lion's share of the carries out of the backfield.
Nov 30, 2024 4:31 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) is officially back ahead of Friday's Week 13 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco is back on the field for the first time since Week 2. It was uncertain coming into this game if Pacheco would be limited or not considering he hasn't played in months. The Chiefs have said that Pacheco will be a full-go for Friday's game. Fantasy managers should feel good about getting Pacheco back in their lineups for this favorable matchup. Kareem Hunt will see his value take a hit with Hunt back in the mix. It remains to be seen how much Hunt will be involved going forward.
Nov 29, 2024 2:34 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to play on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco has been trending in the right direction over the last couple of weeks and is now ready to make his return during Friday's divisional battle. Pacheco should be heavily involved in Week 13, but he might still share some touches with Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine. From a fantasy perspective, Pacheco ranks as an RB2 versus Las Vegas' soft run defense.
Nov 28, 2024 12:04 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) will return in Week 13 to play this Friday in a divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders as long as he doesn't suffer a setback before then, according to head coach Andy Reid. Pacheco was close to returning from Injured Reserve in the Week 12 win over the Carolina Panthers, but the Chiefs chose to hold him out for one more week. The 25-year-old put in his first full practice on Tuesday, though, since fracturing his right ankle way back on Sept. 15. Pacheco was KC's clear-cut lead back before the injury, but there's a chance he'll split touches with Kareem Hunt in the backfield in his first game back on Black Friday, which would make him a volatile option for fantasy managers. Pacheco was a must-start fantasy RB before his injury and he had 34 carries for 135 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and one TD in two games before his injury in 2024.
Nov 27, 2024 2:12 PM EST
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