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

Sunday, September 7, 9:09 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a monster game in his team's 26-10 Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Etienne Jr. rushed 16 times for 143 yards and added three catches for 13 yards as well. It wasn't clear coming into the season how Jacksonville would split backfield work between running backs Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. However, it was Etienne Jr. who dominated touches in Week 1. His 16 carries were almost double what Jacksonville's other three backs earned combined (nine). Allen Jr. was also the only other Jaguars running back to earn a target, so Etienne Jr. looks like he could be in line for a three-down role. As long as he continues to work in a clear lead role, Etienne Jr. could provide fantasy RB2 production going forward.

Thursday, September 4, 3:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco said he is "on a revenge tour" this year, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones said, "Yeah, let's go! (bangs on the table with his right hand). We need him on a revenge tour!" Pacheco's violent running style finally came back to bite him in 2024 when he fractured his fibula in Week 2 and ended up playing in only seven regular-season games in his third year with the Chiefs. The 26-year-old averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry on his 83 rushing attempts during the regular season. He's back to 100 percent health in 2025, though, and remains KC's unquestioned lead back going into a Week 1 matchup in Brazil versus the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. There are questions as to whether Pacheco can return to his pre-injury form, but at worst, he should be considered a low-end RB2 fantasy back.