Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, April 23, 11:07 PM

While long-time Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (foot) remains on the free-agent market on the eve of the 2025 NFL draft, he doesn't appear to be considering retirement. "They've already wrote my ending when I'm just getting started," Chubb wrote on Instagram, adding a bat emoji. Chubb also posted a video on his social media page of him squatting significant weight, which is something he hadn't really done since a devastating knee injury that he suffered early in the 2023 season. The 29-year-old second-rounder and four-time Pro Bowler returned to play in eight games for the Browns in 2024 but didn't look like the same guy, averaging a career-worst 3.3 yards per carry on 102 rushing attempts for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Chubb also suffered a season-ending foot fracture in December, which no doubt has many teams skeptical about how much he can offer moving forward.

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.