Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Kenny McIntosh

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.

Saturday, January 4, 4:29 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh remains the backup to Zach Charbonnet heading into Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. McIntosh played just 25 percent of the offensive snaps last week, rushing seven times for 46 yards on the ground. He was highly efficient but took a backseat to Charbonnet, as expected. McIntosh's efficiency could earn him some extra snaps against the Rams, but he's still expected to be the clear No. 2 option behind Charbonnet. The 24-year-old ranks as a low-end RB4 ahead of his matchup against a Rams defense allowing the 11th-most rushing yards to opposing running backs in 2024.