Isiah Pacheco News

Pacheco dominated work out of the Chiefs' backfield, out-carrying Jerick McKinnon 15-4. He was productive with the work, highlighted by a long gain of 24 yards and also a one-yard touchdown plunge midway through the third quarter. After a surprisingly impressive rookie season during which he posted 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns across 17 regular-season games, Pacheco is likely to factor heavily into Kansas City's offensive plans in 2023.

Pacheco, who did an excellent job breaking tackles and getting to the second level throughout his rookie season, somewhat surprisingly found running room at a premium throughout Sunday's game. However, with the Chiefs' wideout depth chart suffering some serious in-game attrition thanks to injuries to JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), Mecole Hardman (pelvis) and Kadarius Toney (ankle), Pacheco recorded his highest reception, receiving yardage and target totals as a pro yet. The Rutgers product showed off some of the same penchant for getting past first contact as a pass catcher, and depending on the health of the aforementioned wideouts and backfield mate Clyde Edwards-Helaire (IR-ankle), Pacheco could be in for another busy day in the Super Bowl LVII matchup against the Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 12.

Pacheco paced the Chiefs' backfield with 13 touches, and he was narrowly more involved than Jerick McKinnon. Pacheco made the most of his opportunity, and his effort was highlighted by a 39-yard gain midway through the second quarter -- a run that set up a one-yard touchdown catch for Travis Kelce two plays later. It remains to be seen how work will be split between Pacheco and McKinnon moving forward, particularly if the Chiefs find themselves in negative game script at any point during the AFC Championship Game.

Pacheco paced the Chiefs in rushing yards, primarily thanks to a 31-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter. He also tallied his fifth rushing touchdown of the season on a one-yard plunge to cap the same offensive possession. Pacheco ends his rookie season having racked up 170 rushing attempts and 830 yards, though it remains to be seen how much he is trusted by the team during the postseason.

Pacheco's five-yard touchdown rush just before the halfway point of the first quarter opened the scoring on the day. The rookie's trip to the end zone was his first since Week 13, although his carries were his fewest since Week 9. Fantasy managers holding Pacheco on Week 18 fantasy championship rosters will hope for a larger rushing workload in a road matchup against the vulnerable Raiders defense in Kansas City's regular-season finale, one in which they'll still be aiming for the top seed in the AFC.

Pacheco led Kansas City's backfield with 14 carries, out-touching Jerick McKinnon 15 to eight. The former got the heavier workload as the team chewed up clock up two scores in the second half. Pacheco continues to outproduce his veteran teammate on the ground, but it has been McKinnon providing superior fantasy value with five touchdowns over his last three games (including another receiving touchdown Saturday). The 23-year-old has been providing a high fantasy floor since taking over for Clyde Edwards-Helaire midseason, and he could see see his value soar if he can convert more opportunities from in close for scores. Pacheco remains a solid play against the Broncos next Sunday.