Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Isiah Pacheco

Sunday, October 19, 10:58 AM

Carolina Panthers running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle will trade series early in Sunday's Week 7 contest against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. By alternating drives, the two running backs will have an opportunity to maintain fresh legs, while the coaching staff gets a chance to decide which running back to lean on later in the game. Both running backs may play quite well to start the game and then continue to contribute in a committee for the rest of the contest. However, by alternating series, Hubbard and Dowdle will each at least have a chance to establish themselves as the primary option out of this backfield. Hubbard and Dowdle both rank as solid RB3 options this week, and they could both have standalone value in an offense that has become increasingly run-heavy. Hubbard has appeal since he was the Panthers' starter before his calf injury and is first on the depth chart, while Dowdle has appeal because he exploded for 473 yards and two touchdowns in the two weeks that Hubbard missed.

Saturday, October 18, 12:26 AM

Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Pacheco turned 12 carries in 51 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. Despite the 30-17 victory last week, Pacheco was unable to turn in a productive fantasy performance, but there are reasons for optimism moving forward. His 12 carries in Week 6 were a season-high and double the number of carries Kareem Hunt handled on Monday night. Pacheco's 51 rushing yards were also a season-high and hopefully a sign of things to come. The 26-year-old still has not collected a rushing touchdown this season, but that could change against the Raiders this week. Las Vegas has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns this season. Pacheco has been efficient on limited touches this season, and his usage could be trending up. Pacheco is ranked RB28 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex-worthy player this week.