Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or Isiah Pacheco

Friday, December 5, 10:41 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been one of the most consistently productive backs in the NFL so far this season, recording 1,016 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games. The 26-year-old has recorded at least 15 touches in 10 out of 12 contests and scored four touchdowns over the last four weeks. Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten has played a role as the team's RB2 and looked like he might be pushing Etienne Jr. for playing time when he recorded 15 carries in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, in the two weeks since that game, Etienne Jr. has out-touched Tuten 31 to 16 and out-snapped him 71 to 31. Etienne Jr. appears to still have a firm grasp on the RB1 role in Jacksonville and profiles as a high-end fantasy RB2 heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Saturday, December 6, 5:03 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco only handled three carries for 16 yards in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he should handle more work this week. The 26-year-old returned from his knee injury in Week 13, which explains his light workload, but his playing time should increase against the tough Houston defense in Week 14. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making it a tough spot for Pacheco amid a split backfield. Pacheco also popped up on the injury report with a knee injury, but was a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for the weekend. The second-year back was pulling away with the lead role before his injury, so the split could lean in his direction eventually, but it is difficult to say when that might be. Pacheco is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a tough player to start this week.