Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, May 14, 1:50 PM

Running back Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on Wednesday on a two-year, $30 million contract extension that includes $25 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, according to Todd France of Athletes First. It is the largest deal in NFL history for a RB over 30 years old. The Ravens have rewarded the 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Player of the Year after he recorded 1,921 rushing yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 carries in 17 regular-season games in 2024 in his first year in Baltimore. He added 19 catches for 193 yards and two more TDs. While some were expecting physical decline from King Henry last year, he was as dominant as ever in the Ravens' run-first offense, finishing as the RB1 in fantasy. Henry has limitations as a pass-catcher, but until he proves otherwise, he's a high-end RB1 target in fantasy.

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.