The Kansas City Chiefs were able to get back on the right track in Week 15 as they defeated the New England Patriots, 27-17. They were able to do this without Isiah Pacheco, who has missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury. Clyde Edwards-Helaire stepped up in a big way, as he finished with 101 total yards of offense and a receiving touchdown.
What’s the latest news on the explosive RB, and will he be ready for Week 16 fantasy football lineups?
Will Isiah Pacheco Play This Week?
All signs are pointing to Pacheco being back this week, as Andy Reid told reporters that Pacheco had his shoulder cleaned up and will be ready to go.
Now, obviously there could be a setback as Pacheco returns to the field. But right now, the Chiefs are planning on having their star running back on the field against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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How much he plays could be more in question. Edwards-Helaire was productive against the Patriots, and the other Chiefs RB — Jerick McKinnon — had two total touchdowns in the game.
With this in mind, the Chiefs could be a little hesitant to have Pacheco out there getting the ball as much as he was, but Pacheco figures to be involved in the game plan.
What Does This Mean for Pacheco’s Fantasy Ranking?
If you have Pacheco on your fantasy team, this is great news as you look to make a run towards the championship.
With the Chiefs struggling with passing the ball like they never have before during the Mahomes era, the running game in Kansas City has been more important now than ever before.
In the previous four games before his injury, Pacheco has been playing at a high level. His carries in those games have been 16,19,15, and 18 and he has been particularly outstanding in his last two games.
In the game against the Raiders on Nov. 26, he finished the game with 15 carries for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He also added five receptions for 34 yards.
He followed that up with 110 rushing yards and one score against the Green Bay Packers, while also having three catches for 13 yards. In his rookie year, Pacheco wasn’t really involved in the passing game, as he had 13 catches in the regular season.
However, he showed in the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals some of that promise catching the ball, as he had five catches for 59 yards in that game.
He has followed that up with 33 catches this year, and he has become a real threat in the passing game.
Pacheco had a big fantasy game against the Raiders last time, and he could be in store for another one. The Raiders are currently ranked 24th in stopping the run (124.9 yards), and the Chiefs could look to use their star running back a lot in this game.
100 total yards is definitely a possibility in this matchup, and don’t be surprised if he gets in the end zone against the Raiders for the third consecutive game — the first, though, at Arrowhead.
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