Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Quinshon Judkins

Friday, December 12, 4:18 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled nine carries for 30 yards in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. In his second game back from injury, Pacheco's opportunities ticked up closer to Kareem Hunt, who handled 12 carries in the contest. Pacheco looked like the best back in the backfield before his knee injury, so the team may prefer to lean on him more as he gets healthier. Pacheco will have a chance to surpass Hunt this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, meaning that it should not be a difficult matchup for Pacheco. That said, splitting carries with Hunt in a divisional matchup could be a difficult situation to succeed in. Pacheco is ranked RB48 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a difficult player to trust until he shows more upside.

Saturday, December 6, 12:42 PM

Across 11 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has recorded 758 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 196 carries. While the 22-year-old hasn't always been particularly efficient as a rusher this season, the Browns continue to lean on him in the run game. Over his last four outings, Judkins is averaging 19.5 carries per contest. Judkins also recorded three catches for 18 yards in Week 13. With primary Browns receiving back Dylan Sampson (calf) questionable to play in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Judkins could see more work in the passing game. Tennessee currently ranks 26th among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (4.6) and is tied for 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed (17). Judkins should see a heavy workload on Sunday and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 14.