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.

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.