RB #18 Isiah Pacheco KC

Isiah Pacheco experienced a brutal leg injury that kept him out for most of the 2024 season. He looked amazing in his first two weeks; 34 rushing attempts, 135 rushing yards, 7 catches on 8 targets, 54 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Pacheco returned in week 13 and was ineffective, including the playoffs. He managed just 212 rushing yards in 8 games, a 26.5 per game average.

That was last year, and this year he is 100% healthy. He looked amazing Friday in his few plays against the Seattle Seahawks. He should once again bring his bruising, hard-nose running style that the Kansas City Chiefs need. Andy Reid almost always produces high scoring fantasy football running backs, and Pacheco has shown success. Pacheco knows the system, and first round pick Josh Simmons will be a nice addition to run behind.

His ADP is currently RB #24, and 68th overall. He is a bargain at his price, as the only concern is can he stay healthy? As with most great running backs, try to have his handcuff which at present is Kareem Hunt.

LB #18 Ernest Jones IV SEA

The Seattle Seahawks traded for Ernest Jones IV after week 6, and have the leader of their defense going forward. The Los Angeles Rams traded him to the Tennessee Titans for a fifth round pick. Then the Titans traded him to the Seahawks for a 2025 fourth round pick. Jones thrived in Seattle’s defense, and he will be a fantastic IDP this season.

He knows the NFC West well, and is the Rams single season tackle record holder. In ten games back in the division he earned 94 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception. He finished the season with 138 combined tackles, and with Leonard Williams in front of him, could finish with 150 tackles. LB #18 is the floor for the perennial top tier linebacker.

The Super Bowl champion wears the green dot for the Seahawks and should log over 1,000 snaps. Seattle wants to run the ball and play great defense… they successfully built a roster to do just that. Reaching for Jones is a great idea, because it is not a reach when landing a potential top 10 linebacker.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #17. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-