Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Kaelon Black
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Isiah Pacheco News
Monday, June 22, 8:20 AM
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco enters 2026 in a backup role behind star Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs. It's a new role for Pacheco, who spent most of his first four seasons in the NFL as the RB1 for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Pacheco has struggled with both injuries and ineffectiveness over the past two seasons, missing 14 games and averaging just 3.8 yards per carry since the start of the 2024 campaign. In Detroit, Pacheco's touches will be limited as long as Gibbs remains healthy. Still, former Lions RB2 David Montgomery recorded 908 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns across 17 games in 2025. If Pacheco can assume a similar role as the thunder to Gibbs' lightning, he could be a productive player for fantasy managers in 2026. Pacheco's handcuff appeal is obvious as well, as he profiles as the clear winner in the Detroit backfield if Gibbs suffers an injury. In redraft leagues, Pacheco could be a late-round sleeper to target in drafts.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kaelon Black News
Saturday, May 2, 11:43 AM
After recording 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries across 16 games for the University of Indiana in 2025, running back Kaelon Black was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Black's path to immediate playing time is blocked off by all-world 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who has led the NFL in touches in two out of the last three seasons. However, McCaffrey has also played seven games or fewer in three out of his last five campaigns. Black likely enters his rookie season in a battle with Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for the RB2 role in San Francisco. Both James and Guerendo offer some upside, but neither has proven worthy of a consistent role at the NFL level. If Black emerges as the 49ers' lead backup in training camp, his upside as a handcuff option would be through the roof. Additionally, with McCaffrey entering his age-30 season, Black could be a key part of San Francisco's future at the running back position. His dynasty stock is rising following the NFL Draft.
Isiah Pacheco vs. Kaelon Black
Still trying to decide between Pacheco and Black? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Isiah Pacheco is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Kaelon Black is projected to score 0.0 points.
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