Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Isiah Pacheco

Thursday, March 13, 9:35 PM

Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is signing an undisclosed deal on Thursday with the Miami Dolphins, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Earlier in the day, former Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert signed with the Raiders in free agency. The 26-year-old Mattison joined the Raiders in 2024 after spending his first five years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. He eventually took over the lead-back role from a disappointing Zamir White and carried the ball 132 times for 420 yards and four touchdowns (a career-low 3.2 yards per tote) in 14 games (seven starts), adding a career-high 36 catches for 294 yards and another score. Mattison's move to Miami is a big downgrade, as he'll merely be competing for a change-of-pace role with Jaylen Wright behind unquestioned starter De'Von Achane. He'll be avoidable in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Saturday, January 25, 4:25 AM

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.