Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Ashton Jeanty

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.

Thursday, May 8, 7:36 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to his rookie contract. Per Adam Schefter, the four-year agreement is worth a fully guaranteed $35.89 million with $22.74 million due at signing. The 21-year-old is coming off one of the most historic collegiate rushing seasons of all time, and can now officially call Las Vegas home. Jeanty enters an excellent situation as a Raider, with an accurate quarterback manning the helm, a talented offensive mind in Chip Kelly at coordinator, and a head coach in Pete Carroll who has historically enjoyed establishing the run. Expectations are sky-high for the Jacksonville native, as he's already in the conversation to be one of the first few backs off the board this summer in drafts. While rookies always carry a bit of inherent risk, Jeanty will immediately slot in as the Raiders' workhorse back and has the talent to make fantasy managers who didn't draft him regret it.