Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Omarion Hampton

Saturday, December 6, 5:03 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco only handled three carries for 16 yards in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he should handle more work this week. The 26-year-old returned from his knee injury in Week 13, which explains his light workload, but his playing time should increase against the tough Houston defense in Week 14. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making it a tough spot for Pacheco amid a split backfield. Pacheco also popped up on the injury report with a knee injury, but was a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for the weekend. The second-year back was pulling away with the lead role before his injury, so the split could lean in his direction eventually, but it is difficult to say when that might be. Pacheco is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a tough player to start this week.

Wednesday, December 10, 10:36 AM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton returned in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles and looked healthy, recording 13 carries for 56 yards to go with two receptions (two targets) for 11 yards and his first career receiving touchdown on Monday night. Hampton played firmly behind Kimani Vidal in his first game back since suffering a fractured ankle in Week 5, with Vidal playing 68.9% of the snaps to Hampton's 31.1%, but the split in touches was pretty much even. The rookie first-rounder's workload should gradually increase in the coming weeks now that he's fully healthy, though Vidal will maintain a role with how well he performed in Hampton's absence. Hampton is now averaging 15.3 PPR points per game in six games this season and will profile as a high-upside RB2 in a Week 15 divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.