Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Isiah Pacheco

Sunday, October 1, 10:45 PM

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine didn't take advantage of an opportunity for a bigger role in the 31-28 comeback win over the Chicago Bears in Week 4 on Sunday when Javonte Williams (hip) left the game for good in the first half. Perine handled six carries, one less than undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, and picked up only 12 yards (2.0 yards per tote) on the ground. He added 23 receiving yards while hauling in both of his targets through the air. The 28-year-old could have a bigger role moving forward if Williams is forced to miss any time with his injury, but Perine has so far been a disappointment through his first four weeks with the Broncos and could be behind McLaughlin in the pecking order. Even if Williams is unavailable for a tough Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, Perine will be hard to recommend as an RB3/flex.

Monday, October 2, 3:01 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco took 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown with three catches for an additional 43 yards in Week 4's 23-20 win over the New York Jets. Pacheco ran like a man possessed in this one, accelerating for a 48-yard dash to the house in his hometown of New Jersey to score the game's first touchdown. He later found a hole in the flat on a Patrick Mahomes checkdown for a 33-yard catch-and-run en route to a loud 126-yard first half. The 2022 seventh-rounder's 158 scrimmage yards easily signify a new career high, and it feels like a ceiling outcome in fantasy for Pacheco with the Chiefs nursing a lead on Sunday night. Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire remain involved, but Pacheco has certainly been the most effective runner and should warrant mid-range RB2 treatment in Week 5's trip to visit the Vikings in Minnesota.