Albert Breer reports that Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco says he’s healthy after an injury-riddled 2024.
Pacheco literally limped to the finish line of the 2024 season. He fractured his fibula in Week 2, then returning in Week 13. Pacheco rushed no more than 5 times in any of the Chiefs three playoff games. All in all, Pacheco didn’t pass the eye test upon his return.
Kareem Hunt looked like he had juice, while Pacheco looked like he was running on one leg. Hopefully the offseason helped get Pacheco back to his full form. The Chiefs re-signed Kareem Hunt, signed free agent Eli Mitchell, and drafted 7th round satellite back Brashard Smith. While none of those players are imposing, Pacheco needs to show he’s back in form before fantasy managers can entrust him to a starting lineup.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the ...
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been a ...
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) was a ...
On the heels of the NFL Draft, Isiah Pacheco is falling in Underdog drafts due to uncertainty about the Chiefs backfield plans.
Isiah Pacheco is falling in Underdog best ball drafts. Since March 27th, Pacheco has fallen 4.9 spots from RB-31 to RB-33 into round 9. This is symptomatic of a larger fall as Pacheco was going at the end of round 8 as RB-30 on March 9th.
Navigating the cause of Pacheco’s ADP fall is simple in that he only played 7 games last season and looked lackluster when he returned in the playoffs. The Chiefs invested very little draft capital in him as a 7th rounder in 2022. The abundance of running backs in this class makes Pacheco’s standing in the Chiefs offense volatile prior to the NFL Draft.
It is best to avoid Isiah Pacheco on Underdog until after the NFL Draft takes place the weekend of April 24th. Additions made to the backfield will cause a further dip in ADP. In the event that the Chiefs don’t take a running back in the draft, Pacheco’s price point would still likely cap out in round 8 due to Pacheco’s bearish 2024 output.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
With a poor performance down the playoff stretch, drafters are staying away from Isiah Pacheco en masse.
Isiah Pacheco is falling drastically in Underdog drafts. His value has taken a hit as drafters are bearish based on his collective 2024 output. Since February 11th Pacheco has fallen from pick 77.3 as RB-25 down to pick 91.3 as RB-29.
Pacheco’s fall from round 7 into round 8 is informed by the fact that he only played 7 games in 2024. Pacheco suffered a broken fibula in week 2 that caused him to miss 9 games as well as a rib injury in week 17 where he missed the season finale. Upon his return in the playoffs, he displayed plenty of rust.
As a 7th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pacheco enters the final season of his rookie contract in a precarious position. Having a minimal investment from the Chiefs and limited production due to injury in 2024, the Chiefs are ripe candidates to reinvest into their backfield. Considering how deep this rookie running back class is, it is wise to stay away from Isiah Pacheco in Underdog drafts as he will likely fall further post NFL Draft.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (coachretzlaff1)
Kareem Hunt Shines as Isiah Pacheco Struggles in Chiefs’ Backfield
The Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield was significantly shaped by Kareem Hunt’s impactful performance in their 23-14 divisional-round victory over the Houston Texans. Hunt, who had not seen playoff action with the Chiefs since 2018, delivered when it mattered most, scoring a touchdown and making key plays in the second half, including a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion and a pair of strong runs to ice the game. While Isiah Pacheco started the game, his struggles led to Hunt’s increased workload, with Pacheco finishing with just five carries for 18 yards. Hunt finished with eight carries for 44 yards, making the most of his opportunities, and his strong performance has likely earned him more touches in the upcoming AFC Championship game.
Looking ahead to the AFC Championship, Hunt’s fantasy outlook has improved considerably, especially if Pacheco’s struggles persist. With Pacheco unable to regain his pre-injury form, Hunt could continue to see a larger role in the backfield. Both the Bills and Ravens have shown vulnerabilities to opposing running backs, which further boosts Hunt’s value. If Hunt maintains this level of production, he could be a sneaky fantasy play, especially for DFS purposes. Pacheco, on the other hand, is unlikely to see a significant increase in workload and will likely remain in a backup role, limiting his fantasy upside heading into the next game.
Mike Lindberg @FFCanuck99
Isiah Pacheco’s Return to the Chiefs: What It Means for Fantasy Football and Kareem Hunt
The Kansas City Chiefs are 9-0 and looking to stay undefeated, but they’re about to get even stronger with Isiah Pacheco’s return. The second-year running back has been out since Week 2 after fracturing his fibula, but the Chiefs recently opened his 21-day practice window, meaning he’s getting closer to a return. Pacheco was a key part of the Chiefs’ offense last season, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and playing a big role in their Super Bowl wins. His physical style and ability to break tackles bring a different dimension to Kansas City’s attack, and his return could make an already potent offense even more dangerous.
In the meantime, the Chiefs have relied on Kareem Hunt, who was brought in to help fill the void. Hunt has stepped up with 449 rushing yards and five touchdowns since Week 4, and while he’s been solid on the ground, he’s also been a key player in the passing game. In the Chiefs’ most recent win over Denver, Hunt caught seven passes for 65 yards, showing his versatility. But with Pacheco nearing his return, the Chiefs now face a good problem: two talented running backs who both have the ability to lead the backfield. Hunt could slide into more of an RB2 role, while Pacheco takes the lead once he’s fully healthy.
For fantasy football gamers, Pacheco’s return could complicate things in Kansas City’s backfield. While Pacheco is likely to reclaim his starting spot, Hunt should still get plenty of touches, especially in passing situations. Pacheco brings a unique energy to the offense, but Hunt’s experience and ability to contribute in multiple areas could keep his fantasy value solid. It’s a situation worth watching closely, as both backs could have value, but figuring out how the Chiefs will split the workload will be key for anyone relying on them in fantasy.
@FFCanuck99
Kansas City Chiefs set to sign Kareem Hunt after Isiah Pacheco injury.
Kansas City Chiefs star running back Isiah Pacheco set to miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a fractured fibula in the teams game against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday. As a result, the Chiefs will be signing veteran running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt is a free agent after spending the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns but has ties to Kansas City after spending his first two seasons in the league with them in 2017n and 2018.
Pacheco’s injury has appeared to open the door for rookie running back Carson Steele to take the job over. He ended the game with seven carries for 24 yards and was the only other running back to take a carry. Steele is an immediate add in all leagues and looks to be very productive in a high scoring offense for the duration of Pacheco’s injury. Samaje Perine may see a small uptick in usage but still profiles as a passing down specialist so don’t expect too much. Hunt’s familiarity with the system and 1,030 career carries give him the advantage as far as taking any back up carries so he may be worth an add as well just in case.
