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.
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