Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Isiah Pacheco

Friday, March 14, 1:48 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing veteran running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with incentives on Friday, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Hunt began last year on the street before he reunited with the Chiefs when starting RB Isaiah Pacheco went down with an early-season injury. The 29-year-old ended up being a big waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers, as he went on to rush for 728 yards -- his most since 2020 with the Cleveland Browns -- and seven touchdowns on 200 rushing attempts in 13 regular-season games (eight starts). Hunt also added 23 catches for 176 yards through the air. It was a nice career resurgence for Hunt, who started his career with two seasons in KC back in 2017-18. However, with Pacheco healthy and the team bringing in Elijah Mitchell in free agency, Hunt could be the No. 3 back to open the 2025 season.

Saturday, January 25, 4:25 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been a shell of his former self since returning from injury. Even when given the opportunity to start last week's contest, Pacheco remained inefficient and ceded work to veteran Kareem Hunt. The 25-year-old handled five carries for 18 yards against the Texans, compared to eight carries, 44 yards, and a touchdown for Hunt. Given the importance of the matchup and Pacheco's struggles, the Chiefs likely lean on Hunt as their workhorse back in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Kansas City will face the potent Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead to determine who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. With the Chiefs searching for a historic three-peat, the stakes are too high to rely on Pacheco. The second-year back should not be viewed as a start-worthy asset in fantasy playoff leagues and should be considered a dart-throw option in DFS leagues.