Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Isiah Pacheco

Thursday, January 8, 10:57 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley finished the 2025 season with 1413 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 317 total attempts. After totaling nearly 2,300 scrimmage yards in 2024, Barkley regressed, dropping from 5.8 yards per carry to 4.1 this season. Despite the Eagles' offensive struggles this season, they are in the playoffs and hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. The 49ers allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs this season, and injuries to their defensive line and linebackers should open up lanes for Barkley. The defending champions relied heavily on their star running back in last year's Super Bowl run, and they are expected to do the same as they chase back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

Sunday, January 4, 3:12 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rest) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this past week. His reduced workload in practice was not injury-related, as the Chiefs allowed him to rest because they had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Kareem Hunt is active on Sunday afternoon and should operate as the primary running back in this Chris Oladokun-led offense. We also wouldn't be surprised to see rookie Brashard Smith earn more snaps if Kansas City wants to evaluate his role and viability for the 2026 campaign.