Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Zach Charbonnet

Friday, December 5, 8:08 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco returned in last week's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday for the first time since Week 8 due to a knee injury. It wasn't a triumphant return for the 26-year-old, as he played a season-low 30% of the snaps and had a season-low three rushing attempts for 16 yards while grabbing both of his targets for an additional 17 yards. Pacheco played well ahead of rookie Brashard Smith, but it's clear that veteran Kareem Hunt has solidified his role as KC's preferred RB, even in goal-line situations. Fantasy managers can hold out hope that Pacheco is more involved in the coming weeks as he puts his knee injury in the rearview mirror, but at no point in 2025 has he looked deserving of a bigger workload. Pacheco has yet to top 60 rushing yards in nine games, and he should be left on benches in Week 14 against the Texans and their No. 1 defense.

Friday, December 5, 11:02 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has been a touchdown machine this season. He has a great chance to score in Week 14 against an Atlanta Falcons defense that is No. 24 against opposing running backs in fantasy. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball on Sunday. When this team finds itself close to the end zone, there is a good chance that Charbonnet is going to receive the ball. Charbonnet's eight touchdowns in 2025 already match his career high from a season ago. When he scores, he delivers flex value for fantasy football. With the Falcons deploying a weaker defense against opposing running backs, Charbonnet may even find running room outside of the red zone. If Charbonnet can turn in a relatively efficient game and find the end zone, you will be happy in fantasy. As usual, Charbonnet is a risky play. However, his touchdown upside in Week 14 is high if you need a starter.