Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or George Pickens

Thursday, October 31, 2:20 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been on the Injured Reserve list since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula and is not expected to return to practice this week or next week. However, head coach Andy Reid said Pacheco is "doing fantastic," which is promising considering the team initially did not know if he would return this season. In his absence, veteran Kareem Hunt has taken over the clear RB1 duties in Kansas City and has rushed 84 times for 308 yards and four touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 40 yards. Hunt has not been efficient, but the team has trusted him to carry the load. Whenever Pacheco returns, he'll surely be a significant contributor to the offense, but he could be eased into action and share touches with Hunt. For now, fantasy managers can continue to stash him in an IR spot and hope he returns to make a difference down the stretch.

Tuesday, October 29, 12:25 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in four of five targets for 74 yards in a 26-18 win over the New York Giants. It was a solid outing for Pickens, but the 23-year-old was incredibly close to having a monster game. He scored a touchdown that was nullified by a face mask penalty on Pittsburgh's opening drive and later couldn't manage to get both feet in bounds on an impressive contested catch in the end zone. Nonetheless, Pickens continued to display excellent chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson, especially on a 43-yard deep shot that put Pittsburgh in the red zone on a crucial drive in the fourth quarter. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by Pickens' role in the offense and be optimistic that the touchdowns will come. His next opportunity will be against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 after the Steelers return from a bye.