Running Back 19 – Isiah Pacheco KC
Isiah Pacheco had a great rookie season and better postseason, being the leading rusher in the Superbowl and scoring a touchdown to help your team win. At that point the Kansas City Chiefs were in a two score deficit. and Pacheco was the first blow of the comeback. From a fantasy football perspective he had a decent year, finishing RB 26, five behind fellow Kansas City Chief RB J. McKinnon. He should have an increased share of touches, 183 last year, in his second season with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Even with McKinnon in the Top 40 Mano y Mano, Pacheco should see an increased workload and be trusted more in the pass game (14 targets).
I. Pacheco did have two surgeries this off-season and it has limited his practice ability, but he is expected to be RB1 in a high powered offense. He currently has an ADP of RB 24-30 so you can get him as a bargain. Do so and be happy to have the starting RB on the beset offense in the league.

Linebacker 19 – DeMario Davis NO
Most would be hesitant to place a player entering his 12th season, at a physically demanding position, in the top twenty. D. Davis is an exception to the rule and earned his fourth All-Pro in 2022. He also recored 109 combined tackles last season, now at six seasons in a row with over 100 tackles. In fact he has had 8 seasons with over 100 tackles, and a 99 and 90 tackle season,. His only seasons to have less than 90 was his rookie year. All four of his All-Pro years have came in New Orleans, and have been the past four years. To expect his production to fall off a cliff would be foolish, even with P. Werner stepping into a larger role.
The Saints have a new Defensive Coordinator in Joe Woods, but Head Coach Dennis Allen will still have a large influence on the defense. Coach Allen has brought the best out of DeMario Davis, and he will continue to use his star linebacker (LB) as a leader. New Orleans has a defense of veterans that play well together, and this could be their last chance to lift The Lombardi. The Saints are favorites to win the division and the NFC is open enough that a division winner has a favorable opportunity to make it. Draft DeMario Davis and have faith in the future Hall of Fame member.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #18.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.