Isiah Pacheco has presented a challenging predicament for fantasy football enthusiasts this season. His impressive preseason performances led to a consistent rise in his average draft position (ADP) throughout the draft period. However, upon the season’s commencement, Pacheco’s role was initially limited, with several teammates sharing the workload. In his initial eight games, he managed to achieve double-digit fantasy points in only a single week.
Nonetheless, there are indications that his potential is finally being realized. Pacheco experienced a long-awaited breakthrough during Sunday’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns. A significant portion of his production originated from two lengthy scoring plays, covering 56 and 70 yards. Despite both plays being designated as interior runs, he displayed exceptional ability to surge into the second level — the first play was largely facilitated by excellent blocking, while the second showcased Pacheco’s natural instincts, as he successfully broke the run to the outside. By the conclusion of the 1 p.m. ET games, Pacheco was ranked as fantasy’s RB3.
Had Jerick McKinnon been available, Pacheco’s second touchdown might not have transpired. The Chiefs had utilized McKinnon in a closer role previously, but he was sidelined due to an injury. Pacheco’s future role also hinges on the condition of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), who has been absent for the past two weeks.
The upcoming schedule presents favorable opportunities. The Chiefs are set to face the Chargers on Sunday, followed by the Broncos and Raiders. All of these teams are ranked within the top eight in terms of matchups for fantasy running backs. Following a Week 14 bye, they will encounter three more favorable matchups — the Patriots (seventh in RB points allowed), Chargers (fifth), and Broncos (eighth). If Pacheco has gained the trust of the coaching staff, he has the potential to be a significant contributor throughout the holiday season and the fantasy playoffs.
Other Rookie RBs of note
Considering other rookie RBs, has Tank Bigsby established a significant role in Jacksonville? He recorded 80 total yards and a touchdown on 15 touches on Sunday, receiving increased opportunities as the Jaguars were primarily playing from behind (they ultimately caught up and surpassed the Colts). Travis Etienne Jr. did gain 46 yards on his five carries, but it should be noted that Bigsby has registered double-digit carries in four consecutive games. Favorable matchups against the Titans and Cowboys await on the schedule.
The Eagles re-established Kenneth Gainwell (15 touches, 97 total yards) as their primary back, although rookie Kenny McIntosh maintained eight opportunities and scored a short touchdown. Gainwell had not given any reason to relinquish his role, and a 6.1 YPC in this start demonstrates his potential. However, head coach Nick Sirianni has previously favored a two-back system, and this arrangement might follow a similar pattern. Philadelphia will travel to Dallas next week.
The Commanders are expected to rely on Zach Charbonnet for the remainder of the season, provided he can withstand the physical demands. He recorded 23 touches for 84 total yards against the Rams, with no other back exceeding two carries. Rookie QB Sam Howell continues to experience challenges, achieving a mere 5.1 YPA and enduring six sacks against a Rams defense that has been plagued by injuries, affected by trades, and generally underperforming. Charbonnet requires the Commanders to remain competitive with Dallas next week, otherwise, it is possible that Washington might abandon the running game.
Other Week 10 Booms
The 2-8 Cardinals may not be contending for a playoff spot, but Sunday’s victory over Atlanta was encouraging. Rookie QB Clayton Tune showed improvement (10.3 YPA, no turnovers) and targeted the players fantasy managers rely on. Marquise Brown recorded a 5-103-1 line on a team-leading eight targets, and Trey McBride capitalized on all his opportunities, resulting in a 4-91-1 line. Even veteran running back James Conner had a productive day, accumulating 24 touches and finishing with 114 total yards. While Conner might be difficult to trust consistently moving forward, Brown is a reliable fantasy starter for the rest of the season, and McBride could be a valuable asset for managers facing injury or performance issues at tight end.
Calvin Austin III undoubtedly deserves recognition for his impressive performance, although his path to production on Sunday was somewhat unconventional. Special teams scoring is inherently unpredictable — he scored on a 72-yard return. He also had a receiving touchdown, despite a modest 3-32-1 line on seven targets. Austin continues to have a role in Pittsburgh even as the team’s WR corps recovers — and as Allen Robinson II adapts — but it is likely a role with a limited ceiling. This suggests a WR4 designation as we navigate through the bye-week period. He is available in approximately 60% of Yahoo leagues.
The Cardinals are allowing their backfield to evolve organically, and on Sunday against Cleveland, Emari Demercado emerged as the clear frontrunner. His 13-70-0 rushing line propelled him to the forefront, while Keaontay Ingram was limited to 7-19-0. Ingram did have a 40-yard reception and three catches, while Demercado’s longest reception resulted in no gain. The upcoming schedule is challenging, with the Texans, Rams, and Seahawks on the horizon. Furthermore, Kyler Murray (knee) might be unavailable for Week 11, which would diminish the potential of the entire offense.
Other Week 10 Busts
Bijan Robinson appeared poised to dominate after his impressive Monday night victory over Miami in Week 6. However, his dominant run has encountered obstacles since then — Robinson has no rushing touchdowns and only one overall touchdown in his last four games. Robinson had 16 carries for 83 yards in the loss to the Saints in London, and secured two short receptions. Nevertheless, the Falcons distributed 10 carries to Tyler Allgeier, who primarily handled red-zone opportunities (four carries, one touchdown). Atlanta has now suffered four consecutive losses, and often it takes a losing streak for an organization to embrace proactive changes. Improved utilization of Robinson is essential for the Falcons to develop into a competent NFL offense.
There will be instances when the Vikings limit Jaren Hall and the receivers experience lower volume. However, that was not the case on Sunday, as Hall attempted 41 passes in comeback mode against New Orleans. He directed 22 targets to his two primary receivers, but Justin Jefferson (4-36-0) and Jordan Addison (3-34-0) both yielded disappointing returns. I maintain confidence in head coach Kevin O’Connell, but this was an underwhelming performance against a New Orleans defense that has offered limited resistance throughout the season.
The Broncos secondary should present a favorable opportunity next week, so I will give Addison another start. Jefferson remains in all fantasy lineups, without question.
