Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Isiah Pacheco

Saturday, October 25, 10:27 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry hasn't finished in RB1 territory in half-PPR leagues since Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. The ground game has struggled mightily, especially while Lamar Jackson (hamstring) has been sidelined, due to playing major catch-up as the defense gives up the most points in the league. In Week 8, Jackson may return, but one of the bigger returning names for the run game is Patrick Ricard. The big fullback has been a huge help with both run blocking and pass protection, and has registered multiple seasons with grades of 80 or above in run blocking. With his return and if Jackson can play, that sets up Henry to return to his ceiling. As of right now, he's projected to be a low-end RB1 in his first game since the bye.

Wednesday, October 29, 1:48 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) will not be on the practice field on Wednesday, according to head coach Andy Reid. Pacheco suffered an MCL sprain late in the Monday night win over the Washington Commanders in Week 8 and is considered week-to-week, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he's not practicing. The 26-year-old is unlikely to be active for a Week 9 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, but the good news is that KC will head into their bye in Week 10, so it's possible Pacheco will only end up missing one game. With Pacheco unlikely to be able to play this weekend, veteran Kareem Hunt should take over lead-back duties, with rookie Brashard Smith also having an expanded role and being in play as a flex option for fantasy managers. Pacheco has been a big disappointment in fantasy leagues in 2025, running for 329 yards and just one touchdown on 78 carries over his first eight games.