The running back landscape presents challenging decisions for fantasy football managers seeking production from uncertain backfields. Isiah Pacheco, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Cam Skattebo each face different circumstances heading into Week 3. Can fantasy managers trust either of these three backs in lineups?
Isiah Pacheco Fantasy Outlook
Pacheco saw his snap share increase to 58% last week, representing progress in his recovery from the committee approach that has limited his ceiling. However, he struggled against Philadelphia’s elite run-stopping unit with just 10 carries for 22 yards.
He remains the most valuable fantasy running back on the Kansas City Chiefs roster, but his role continues to have limitations that cap his weekly ceiling. Pacheco is still ceding passing-down work and short-yardage situations to Kareem Hunt, preventing him from accessing the high-value touches that separate elite fantasy backs from average ones.
The matchup presents a potentially favorable environment for Pacheco’s skill set. The New York Giants just allowed Javonte Williams to run 18 times for 97 yards, suggesting vulnerability against ground attacks that Kansas City could exploit.
If there ever were a spot for Pacheco to break out from his early-season struggles, it’s in a projected positive game script against a porous run defense. The Chiefs should be able to establish their preferred approach and lean on their ground game to control possession.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Fantasy Outlook
Tracy made some offhand comments about the Giants’ play-calling following their previous game. Whether his reduced usage was directly related to those comments or part of a predetermined plan remains impossible to determine from external observation. Nevertheless, it happened.
The usage patterns tell a concerning story for Tracy’s immediate fantasy prospects. Devin Singletary started the game, and Cam Skattebo entered on the second play, relegating Tracy to a secondary role from the opening drive.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Tracy did play plenty after the early rotation, but he only saw five carries, which he turned into a paltry 15 yards. His rushing efficiency and limited opportunity share both declined significantly from his previous performances.
He was more involved as a receiver, though, catching four passes for 36 yards and maintaining some fantasy relevance through the passing game. His receiving ability provides a floor that pure rushing backs cannot match.
The major concern is the noticeable dip in his snap share from 73% to 42%, representing a significant reduction in overall involvement that directly impacts his fantasy ceiling and consistency.
Cam Skattebo Fantasy Outlook
It appears Skattebo has officially overtaken Tracy as the Giants’ lead back based on recent usage patterns and coaching decisions. His emergence represents a significant shift in the backfield hierarchy.
He played 52% of the snaps while earning 11 carries and seeing three targets, demonstrating the type of complete involvement that fantasy managers seek from their running back options.
Skattebo also scored his first career touchdown, providing the type of scoring opportunity that makes running backs a weekly starter consideration in fantasy formats.
Strictly between Skattebo and Tracy, last week’s usage patterns suggest Skattebo is the superior fantasy option moving forward, though both players face challenging circumstances.
Should You Start Pacheco, Tracy, or Skattebo This Week?
This week presents a difficult spot for all three running backs. The Chiefs may be allowing 106 rushing yards per game, but they also had the misfortune of facing Saquon Barkley last week, which skews their defensive statistics.
Last year, Kansas City fielded the No. 1 defense against running backs for fantasy purposes, demonstrating their capability to limit opposing ground games when healthy and focused.
It’s now or never for Pacheco to demonstrate his fantasy relevance in what should be favorable circumstances. If fantasy managers are starting one of these three backs, it should be him based on opportunity and matchup considerations.
However, all three represent uninspiring options that are best left on fantasy benches in favor of superior alternatives when available on rosters.
