Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Ricky Pearsall

Friday, September 19, 11:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco rushed 10 times for 22 yards and had one catch for seven yards in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Pacheco's efficiency on the ground was an issue, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry in the contest. The 26-year-old was better running the football in Week 1, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, but the game script got away from him as the Los Angeles Chargers led for the entire game. Pacheco will have the opportunity to get back on track this Sunday against the New York Giants. The Giants have been gashed on the ground in each game this season, allowing Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Javonte Williams to have big fantasy performances. Kansas City desperately needs a spark in its rushing attack and Pacheco could be the one to provide it. Pacheco will have to show he's up to the task soon or he could start ceding more opportunities to rookie Brashard Smith. Pacheco is ranked RB30 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a viable flex option this week. The Giants have allowed a rushing touchdown in each game this season, which could bode well for Pacheco this week.

Monday, September 22, 9:52 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall played a pivotal role on Sunday in helping the 49ers come away with the 16-15 victory over their division opponent, the Arizona Cardinals. In the afternoon, he saw 11 targets and hauled in eight of them for 117 yards. The 11 targets were second on the team to Christian McCaffrey (15). With Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) not suiting up in Week 3, Pearsall made the most of his opportunities as the team's clear-cut WR1. In the first two games with Jennings suiting up, Pearsall had only 13 targets compared to Sunday's 11. Even with Jennings in the lineup, Pearsall still holds season-long WR3 value; however, he has clearly shown that he can be a stable WR2 in an offense if given the opportunity. At this time, it's unclear if Mac Jones (knee) or Brock Purdy (toe) will be under center in Week 4; regardless, Pearsall remains a low-end WR2 at this time until George Kittle (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) return from IR. Up next for Pearsall and the 49ers is a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.