Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Isiah Pacheco

Friday, January 23, 5:25 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots and will remain on Injured Reserve, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. The Broncos opened Dobbins' 21-day practice window this week, and he was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. While the 27-year-old is making progress from a Lisfranc foot injury that he suffered in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he's just not at the point where the Broncos are comfortable putting him back into a game, especially with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. With Dobbins out, rookie RJ Harvey should handle most of the backfield work against New England, with Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie working in complementary roles. If Denver advances to the Super Bowl, Dobbins should be ready to return with an extra two weeks to recover.

Sunday, January 4, 3:12 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rest) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this past week. His reduced workload in practice was not injury-related, as the Chiefs allowed him to rest because they had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Kareem Hunt is active on Sunday afternoon and should operate as the primary running back in this Chris Oladokun-led offense. We also wouldn't be surprised to see rookie Brashard Smith earn more snaps if Kansas City wants to evaluate his role and viability for the 2026 campaign.