The Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield has been thrust into uncertainty following Isiah Pacheco’s knee injury Monday night against Washington. A sprained MCL has sidelined Pacheco for an undetermined period, opening the door for Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith to seize expanded roles. Can fantasy football managers trust either Chiefs runner against the Buffalo Bills this week?
Kareem Hunt Fantasy Outlook
Veteran experience becomes invaluable when opportunity knocks, and Hunt possesses both qualities in abundance. The 30-year-old has navigated multiple stints with Kansas City and earned Andy Reid’s complete trust through consistent performance. Hunt posted solid RB2 numbers filling in for Pacheco last season, proving his ability to handle increased workload when called upon.
Over the past two seasons, statistical trends strongly favor Hunt’s production when Pacheco is absent from the lineup. Hunt has averaged 8.1 fantasy points per game playing alongside Pacheco compared to 14.8 points per game with Pacheco sidelined. This dramatic uptick reflects his transition from specialized role player to feature back when given primary responsibilities.
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Reid’s offensive philosophy has always incorporated a clear hierarchy between early-down and passing-down backs. Hunt will transition from his third-down and goal-line role to assume early-down responsibilities while retaining his red zone work. This expanded usage creates a more valuable fantasy profile than Pacheco enjoyed because Hunt maintains goal-line equity that the injured starter often lost to committee situations.
Goal-line opportunities provide Hunt’s most reliable path to weekly scoring upside. The veteran has converted 4-of-5 running back touchdowns in red zone situations this season, demonstrating the coaching staff’s unwavering confidence in short-yardage scenarios. When Kansas City reaches the five-yard line, Hunt will receive at least one opportunity to find the end zone, creating consistent touchdown equity for fantasy purposes.
Brashard Smith Fantasy Outlook
Youth and explosiveness define Smith’s skill set, but opportunity has remained limited throughout his rookie campaign. The former Miami Hurricane has appeared in flashes but failed to establish consistent involvement within Kansas City’s complex offensive system. Smith played just 13% of snaps in Week 8, highlighting his secondary status behind both Pacheco and Hunt.
Reid’s offensive schemes have historically featured distinct roles for passing-down specialists separate from early-down contributors. Smith projects to assume the passing-down responsibilities that complement Hunt’s expanded rushing role. This specific skill set creates weekly floor protection through guaranteed involvement in Kansas City’s prolific passing attack.
Coaching staff praise has increased regarding Smith’s development and understanding of the system. The rookie’s route-running ability and pass-catching skills align perfectly with Reid’s preference for versatile backfield weapons. Smith offers big-play potential that could generate explosive fantasy performances when given expanded opportunities in favorable game scripts.
Game script dependency will determine Smith’s weekly ceiling and involvement level. The rookie becomes more valuable in contests where Kansas City trails and must abandon their ground game for aerial attacks. Smith’s receiving profile provides multiple paths to fantasy production that Hunt cannot match through his limited pass-catching ability.
Should You Start Hunt or Smith This Week?
Buffalo presents an intriguing matchup for Kansas City’s revamped backfield rotation. The Bills have allowed the sixth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs, creating favorable conditions for rushing production.
However, their defensive struggles against wide receivers have made opponents less reliant on targeting running backs in the passing game. Just 12.4% of Buffalo’s total receiving yards allowed have gone to running backs, indicating their secondary’s vulnerability has shifted offensive focus toward traditional receivers. This suggests limited upside for Smith’s receiving role while potentially benefiting Hunt’s rushing-focused responsibilities.
These Chiefs-Bills contests historically feature high-scoring affairs with explosive offensive displays from both sides. The game script should remain competitive throughout, creating opportunities for both running backs to contribute meaningfully. However, Hunt’s expanded role and goal-line responsibilities make him the superior fantasy option this week.
Hunt emerges firmly in RB2 territory due to his increased volume and touchdown equity in red zone situations. Smith functions as a desperation Flex play whose value depends entirely on Kansas City falling behind and requiring comeback efforts. Fantasy managers can confidently deploy Hunt while viewing Smith as a lottery ticket with minimal floor protection.