Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Bucky Irving

Saturday, October 4, 10:11 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Week 5. Pacheco rushed seven times for 35 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens. Pacheco finished second in carries and rushing yards in Week 4, but he's locked into a backfield committee with Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith. Hunt finished last week's game with the most carries, and Smith's involvement in the offense has increased each week. Pacheco will have to contend with backfield competition and the Jaguars, who allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. The 26-year-old should continue handling RB2 duties this Monday night, but it will be interesting to see how the touches are divided. Pacheco is ranked RB35 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him in the RB3/Flex conversation this week.

Wednesday, October 8, 2:11 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, ankle) remained sidelined at Wednesday's practice, putting his Week 6 status in serious doubt. He has now missed multiple sessions as he continues to recover from lingering injuries, leaving the Buccaneers to rely heavily on Rachaad White. White carried the load last week with 14 rushes for 41 yards and two touchdowns and should once again operate as the primary option against the 49ers. San Francisco's defense ranks 17th against the run, giving Tampa Bay a favorable matchup to continue establishing the run. Irving's absence limits his short-term fantasy outlook, but managers should keep him stashed in hopes of a potential return for the team's Week 7 matchup against the Lions.