Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or De'Von Achane

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, May 18, 12:22 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane had a strong season of overall production in 2024, rushing 203 times for 907 yards and six touchdowns while securing 78 of his 87 targets for 592 yards and another six scores. However, the speedster out of Texas A&M said he "left a lot of yards on the table" a season ago. "I always want to try to hit 1,000 yards and then 500 yards (receiving)," Achane said"I feel like I can do that as far as how much I'm being used and like the pass game that I was last year because I had a lot of receptions, and me watching film I felt like I left a lot of plays or I felt like I could have did more." Achane finished as the RB6 in total half-PPR fantasy points last year despite the Miami offense regressing mightily compared to the first two seasons of the Mike McDaniel tenure. The 23-year-old played in all 17 games, which is promising after he missed six games in his rookie campaign. While Achane's rushing efficiency predictably dropped in 2024, he remains an explosive ball carrier with chunk-play upside anytime he has the ball in his hands. He's a clear RB1 in 2025, and he could push to be a top-five performer in his third NFL campaign.