Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, October 18, 12:26 AM

Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Pacheco turned 12 carries in 51 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. Despite the 30-17 victory last week, Pacheco was unable to turn in a productive fantasy performance, but there are reasons for optimism moving forward. His 12 carries in Week 6 were a season-high and double the number of carries Kareem Hunt handled on Monday night. Pacheco's 51 rushing yards were also a season-high and hopefully a sign of things to come. The 26-year-old still has not collected a rushing touchdown this season, but that could change against the Raiders this week. Las Vegas has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns this season. Pacheco has been efficient on limited touches this season, and his usage could be trending up. Pacheco is ranked RB28 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex-worthy player this week.

Tuesday, October 21, 12:45 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder), who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, is scheduled to work back into practice this week, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The head coach said he's "optimistic" for Austin potentially returning on Sunday night to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, but as always, his participation in practice will be the guide for whether he plays on Sunday. The 26-year-old wideout might need a full practice at some point this week to be cleared to play this weekend. If he does make his return, he should slot back in as Pittsburgh's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. In his four games this year before his shoulder injury, Austin had 10 catches on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. With six teams on bye in Week 8, Austin would be in play as at least a WR4/flex in fantasy football if he's able to make his return against the Packers.