Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Isiah Pacheco

Tuesday, July 22, 7:10 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams good a lot of work with the first-team offense at training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Williams signed a one-year deal with Dallas in free agency this offseason and is expected to share backfield duties in 2025 with Miles Sanders. The Cowboys also drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but they probably have a ways to go before threatening either Williams or Sanders for serious playing time in 2025. Williams, who was a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2021 out of North Carolina, impressed with 903 rushing yards in his first season, but he hasn't been the same tackle-breaking RB since tearing his ACL in his sophomore season in 2022. He should be the favorite to lead Dallas' backfield in touches, but for fantasy purposes, he's merely an RB3/flex target.

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.