Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or J.J. McCarthy

Thursday, September 4, 3:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco said he is "on a revenge tour" this year, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones said, "Yeah, let's go! (bangs on the table with his right hand). We need him on a revenge tour!" Pacheco's violent running style finally came back to bite him in 2024 when he fractured his fibula in Week 2 and ended up playing in only seven regular-season games in his third year with the Chiefs. The 26-year-old averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry on his 83 rushing attempts during the regular season. He's back to 100 percent health in 2025, though, and remains KC's unquestioned lead back going into a Week 1 matchup in Brazil versus the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. There are questions as to whether Pacheco can return to his pre-injury form, but at worst, he should be considered a low-end RB2 fantasy back.

Tuesday, September 9, 12:25 AM

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went 13 of 20 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, leading his team to a 27-24 win against the Bears in his NFL debut. McCarthy looked overmatched early as the Vikings' stagnant run game left him facing frequent third-and-long situations. He had just 48 total yards at the half while taking two sacks, and then threw a pick-six early in the second half to put Minnesota down 17-6. McCarthy bounced back remarkably well after his costly mistake, delivering his best play in the fourth quarter when he accounted for all three of his touchdowns. The Vikings' run game picked up on the subsequent drive and set up McCarthy for 13-yard touchdown strike to Justin Jefferson. He later hit Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown on a wheel route on a really well-placed ball between two defenders. Finally, he showed off his athleticism and impact as a runner with a 14-yard touchdown run on a read option to essentially ice the game. There will be plenty of growing pains for the 22-year-old signal caller, but he showed some positive signs in this game. McCarthy will be set to make his home debut next Sunday night against Atlanta.