With the NFL season getting started tomorrow night as the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions. With kickoff being so close, fantasy football fans across the country are doing last-minute research to ensure they have the best team possible.
In Kansas City, there are currently question marks for the Chiefs. While Chris Jones is still holding out, tight end Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee yesterday and is questionable for the opener against the Lions on Thursday.
Another Chiefs player who has dealt with injuries during the preseason is Isiah Pacheco, who had surgery in the offseason on his hand and labrum. However, there is good news moving forward for Pacheco.
Behind in research? Get a trade offer in your dynasty or redraft league? Not sure who to start or sit this week? Leverage PFN’s FREE fantasy tools — our Fantasy Football Draft Kit, Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Calculator, and Start/Sit Optimizer! Put the finishing touch on your A+ draft with 1 of our 425+ fantasy football team names.
Latest News Surrounding Isiah Pacheco
On Tuesday, Pacheco was taken off the injury report, signaling that he is a full go and will be in action on Thursday.
#Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco named his Top 5️⃣ RBs in #NFL history 🤔
Thoughts on this list?
(via @ATCoveredPod) pic.twitter.com/LCnYbWJulM
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 30, 2023
The injuries Pacheco dealt with in the offseason limited the contact that he absorbed in practices, as he wore the quarterback’s yellow jersey for much of the summer. He should be very fresh for the opener, and with Kelce’s status in question, Pacheco could be counted upon a lot in this matchup.
Will Pacheco Play This Week?
Yes, being taken off the injury report is a big-time implication that Pacheco will have a big role on Thursday.
He’s the Chiefs’ No. 1 running back, with Jerick McKinnon known more for making plays in the receiving game out of the backfield. However, offseason talk has suggested Pacheco will have more of a role in the passing game this season.
MORE: Will Kadarius Toney Play in Week 1?
For Kansas City, Pacheco could be a bigger part of the offensive game plan, with Kelce potentially not playing against the Lions. Kansas City still has one of the elite offensive lines in the NFL, and this is a matchup where they could punish Detroit.
What Does This Mean for Pacheco’s Fantasy Ranking?
With Kelce potentially not playing, Pacheco could be in store for a bigger-than-expected week. The Chiefs’ offensive line matched up against the Lions is a huge mismatch on paper.
Last season, Detroit was the fourth-worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 2,491 rushing yards. At 5.2 yards per carry allowed, they ranked 30th in that statistic. While Andy Reid isn’t necessarily known as a coach who is going to run the ball 30 times, putting the ball in Pacheco’s hands more than usual could be a big play against Detroit.