Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Braelon Allen

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.

Sunday, January 5, 9:33 PM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen carried the ball four times for 15 yards and caught two of his three targets for eight yards in a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Allen mixed in behind starter Breece Hall, per usual, in the high-scoring win. While he didn't hold much standalone value in fantasy this season, Allen flashed his talent at times and appears to be slated to remain a quality backup running back in the NFL moving forward. He is a solid player to roster in dynasty leagues moving forward as he is just one injury away from a big role in the New York offense.