Isiah Pacheco

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

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 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.

Undrafted rookie running back Carson Steele logged 11 out of 18 snaps on the team’s first two series with the first team offense on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The UCLA product came into camp battling for a roster spot behind Isaiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Deneric Prince but Steele has thrown his name into the mix to be the primary backup behind Pacheco.

In 2022, then undrafted rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, had a strong camp and Andy Reid rewarded him with playing 10 out of 25 snaps with starters in week 2 of the preseason. This parallel isn’t to suggest that Pacheco is in danger of losing his job but it does show that Steele has made an impression and is getting his shot in the same way Pacheco did in 2022.

If Carson Steele is available in your dynasty league he is a priority add even if he settles in at RB3 on the depth chart. He’s clearly gained trust with the coaching staff and has a path to snaps in one of the league’s best offenses.