Isiah Pacheco

Isiah Pacheco enters the 2025 fantasy football season with cautious optimism. After a promising start to his NFL career, including being Kansas City’s lead back by the middle of his rookie year, Pacheco’s 2024 season was derailed by a fibula fracture sustained in Week 2. Although he returned late in the season, he never regained his early explosiveness, averaging only 3.4 yards per carry on 62 attempts after coming back and sharing the backfield load with Kareem Hunt. This injury and the reduced role left many doubting if 2025 would be a bounce-back year for the physical and athletic runner.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a crowded backfield heading into 2025. Besides returning veteran Kareem Hunt, they also added Elijah Mitchell and seventh-round pick Brashard Smith, giving the team a number of complementary rushing options. Hunt is expected to stay involved as a reliable change-of-pace back, which likely limits Pacheco’s volume in a committee approach. However, reports from training camp are encouraging—with Pacheco showing signs of regained speed, strength, and explosiveness, especially as a receiver out of the backfield.

From a fantasy perspective, consensus ranks Pacheco as around the 25th running back in average draft position, which places him as a mid-to-late round flier with upside. His upside stems from his role as a potential three-down back and his violent, physical running style that can produce touchdowns and tough yards after contact. Still, durability remains a concern given his injury history and style of play. While many expect a committee approach limiting his snap share, the Chiefs offense overall remains potent, which helps his potential fantasy floor and ceiling.

In sum, Isiah Pacheco has the talent and team situation to be a valuable fantasy asset in 2025, but he is a risk/reward pick. If he stays healthy and recaptures his pre-injury form, a true RB2 season is within reach. Yet workload competition and previous injuries mean he is unlikely to carry a fantasy team by himself. Savvy drafters may find him a worthwhile flex or late-round pick with upside, particularly if they believe the encouraging camp reports will translate into on-field production this season.

Updated 08/23/2025