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.

Friday, May 23, 12:04 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty used a unique backfield stance in his final season at Boise State last year, standing straight up before a snap to give him a better view of the defensive alignment. However, in OTAs with the Raiders, Jeanty has used a more prototypical stance at the suggestion of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who thinks it gives the RB a stronger base to explode out of once the ball is snapped. The 21-year-old was the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and will immediately come in and take over RB1 duties in Vegas, with veteran Raheem Mostert backing him up. Jeanty is physical, fast and hard to tackle and profiles as a workhorse back while excelling on the ground and through the air. Expect to pay a pretty penny on draft day for Jeanty in both redraft and dynasty drafts with expectations sky-high entering his rookie campaign.