In a shocking turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have added running back Samaje Perine to their roster, raising questions about the fantasy football potential of rising star Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco, once a seventh-round draft pick, defied the odds to become a force to be reckoned with in both real and fantasy football. With an impressive 935 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season, Pacheco solidified his position as the RB16 in half-PPR formats.
However, Pacheco’s fantasy value has been hindered by his limited involvement in the passing game. Despite a decent 44 receptions, his 244 receiving yards were not enough to elevate him to elite status. Many believed that with Jerick McKinnon out of the picture, Pacheco would emerge as a three-down back. But now, with the addition of Perine, his workload could be in jeopardy.
Fantasy football enthusiasts have taken notice of Pacheco’s potential, with him currently ranked as the 11th running back and the 22nd overall pick in half-PPR drafts. The consensus was that Pacheco was ready to become a workhorse back, but the arrival of Perine has cast doubt on that assumption. While Pacheco excels as a rusher, his skills as a receiver are lacking, and the hope for increased targets may be fading.
Adding to the mix is undrafted free agent Carson Steele, who impressed in preseason and is expected to challenge Pacheco for goal-line opportunities. According to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride, Steele could become the go-to option for short-yardage situations and touchdowns. With competition brewing in the backfield, Pacheco’s fantasy prospects may be limited.
As the 2024 season unfolds, it’s clear that Pacheco will face challenges in maintaining his status as a high-end RB2. While Perine ensures that Pacheco won’t see a sudden increase in targets, Steele’s emergence adds another layer of complexity to the Chiefs’ rushing attack. Despite the obstacles ahead, Pacheco will strive to deliver another solid fantasy performance this season.
In the competitive world of fantasy football, every move can make or break a player’s season. With Perine and Steele in the mix, Pacheco must rise to the occasion and prove his worth as a top-tier running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
As the drama unfolds on the field, fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how Pacheco navigates the challenges that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing – USA Today Sports
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