Should I Start Isiah Pacheco?

Friday, May 29, 7:29 AM

Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco finds himself in a new place for the 2026 season, and it could be exactly what he needs to get back on track as a fantasy-relevant running back in dynasty leagues. Pacheco spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs, finishing higher than RB37 just once. He was the RB15 in 2023, but injuries cost him 14 games over the last two years, and he wasn't particularly effective when healthy, either. The Chiefs used him as more of a primary running back, getting him involved on rushing and passing downs, while the Lions may use him as more of a short-yardage option to move the chains or get into the end zone. That could mean fewer touches and yards per carry, but more touchdowns and more of a clear-cut role. The new landing spot could vault Pacheco back into the top 36 fantasy running backs, making him a low-end RB3/flex on a weekly basis. As it stands, he is the RB55 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings.