Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Isiah Pacheco

Friday, November 14, 9:41 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) missed Week 11's Thursday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets, and proceeded to watch rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson score three touchdowns and combine for 93 all-purpose yards, which was a career night for the rookie running back. This was after Henderson rushed for 147 yards in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and scored twice in that game as well, while Stevenson was sidelined. Due to the nature of how Henderson has broken out, it raises the question of what Stevenson's role will be when he returns. At this time, it's too early to assume that Henderson will completely take over, given Patriots' head coach Mike Vrabel's feelings about Stevenson in the running game. Still, Henderson may be forcing Vrabel's hand in making him the starter, given the results he has put up over the past two weeks. Regardless, Henderson clearly has the upside over Stevenson and appears to be the running back you want in New England, but given the overall effectiveness of the Patriots' offense, whoever gets a majority of the touches will be fantasy relevant.

Friday, November 14, 3:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This will mark Pacheco's second straight missed game after he suffered an MCL sprain in Week 8. Without him, Kansas City will likely turn to veteran running back Kareem Hunt to handle the majority of their backfield work. Hunt recorded 11 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills with Pacheco sidelined. Rookie running back Brashard Smith could mix in as well, but Smith earned just four touches against Buffalo. Hunt profiles as a borderline RB2/high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 11. Pacheco should have a chance to return to the field in Week 12 when the Chiefs host the Indianapolis Colts.