Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, October 22, 5:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) is considered questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Vikings opened Jones' 21-day practice window on Tuesday, and he was listed as a limited practice participant the last two days, suggesting that he'll likely be held out for another week. The 30-year-old has been on IR since suffering a hamstring injury back in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If he ends up being activated and suiting up on Thursday night in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's the second option out of the backfield behind Jordan Mason, who has been operating as the team's lead back with Jones out. If Jones stays on IR this week, his next chance to return would come in Week 9 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions.

Wednesday, October 22, 11:37 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has had an underwhelming season so far in 2025, recording 314 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 77 total touches through his first seven games. However, there may be reason to believe that the 26-year-old is trending upwards. Pacheco has at least 12 carries and 51 rushing yards in each of his last two games. Additionally, the Chiefs' offense is getting healthier and has averaged 31.5 points per game over the last four weeks, which means Pacheco should see more red zone opportunities going forward. Kansas City will likely continue to split backfield work between Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Brashard Smith, which limits Pacheco's upside. Still, Pacheco has been stealing early-down work away from Hunt in recent weeks and has a higher upside in both real life and fantasy. Pacheco could be a good buy-low candidate for fantasy managers and profiles as a low-end RB2 heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders.