Who Should I Start? Ezekiel Elliott or Isiah Pacheco

Monday, January 6, 9:59 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott on Monday. The former first-round pick will get a chance to compete for a Super Bowl this season. The Chargers are lacking depth at the running back spot, so the addition of Elliott does make sense. The three-time Pro Bowl back might play a minimal role during Saturday's Wild-Card game against the Houston Texans. This season, Elliott rushed for 226 yards on 74 carries with three touchdowns in 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys. The 29-year-old brings knowledge and leadership, but he hasn't rushed for over 1,000 yards since 2021. This is a depth move that gives the 29-year-old a chance to win a Super Bowl.

Thursday, February 5, 11:28 AM

After an injury-marred campaign in 2024, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco entered 2025 in need of a bounce-back effort. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old struggled with inefficiency, recording 563 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 137 touches across 13 games played. Pacheco averaged just 3.9 yards per carry, his second-straight season under four yards per rush attempt after averaging 4.7 yards per carry over the first two years of his career. Pacheco spent most of the 2025 season splitting backfield work with veteran Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, with Hunt dominating touches in short-yardage situations and around the goal line. Pacheco is now set to hit unrestricted free agency, so he's not guaranteed to be back in Kansas City. Based on his performance over the last two seasons, it's not hard to imagine a scenario where Pacheco finds himself in a committee backfield or even a straight RB2 role for the 2026 season. In dynasty formats, Pacheco's future fantasy value profiles as uncertain at best coming off his shaky 2025 campaign.