Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, December 24, 9:11 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson could potentially see most of the running back opportunities on Sunday due to TreVeyon Henderson (head) getting injured in Week 16, and is currently working his way through the concussion protocol after leaving the game early in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Since Stevenson's return from injury in Week 12, his snap share has increased each week, from 31 percent to 58 percent, 67 percent, and 84 percent, respectively. Combine that with Henderson potentially being out on Sunday, Stevenson would climb up the RB ranks and become a borderline RB1 against the New York Jets, who have been reeling of late and are allowing the fourth most points on the season to the running back position. Regardless of Henderson's status for Week 17, Stevenson will provide fantasy value given the matchup.

Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has seemingly reclaimed his leadback role in the backfield, but it comes when the team turns to Chris Oladokun to be the starting quarterback. Pacheco rushed eight times for 34 yards, but the most surprising part of his stat line came in the receiving game. The 26-year-old was targeted a team-high seven times and caught six passes for 41 yards in last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The scoring opportunities will likely be few and far between for Pacheco, but once Oladokun stepped in as the starter, the running backs were targeted six times out of 16 attempts, and five of those went in Pacheco's direction. Pacheco will also have to deal with the Denver Broncos defense in Week 17. The Broncos have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season. Pacheco is ranked RB37 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him an RB3/Flex option for the fantasy playoffs. It could be an ugly game for Pacheco, but he should get enough opportunities to be worth considering.