Isiah Pacheco’s fantasy football stock has plummeted during the 2024 NFL season as injury issues and a steep drop in efficiency have raised serious doubts about his reliability. Once considered a breakout candidate and potential league-winner, the Kansas City Chiefs running back now faces skepticism from fantasy managers questioning his durability and overall production.
The recent shift in his perceived value is evident in trade activity, reflecting growing concern about his future fantasy viability despite the initial hype surrounding his career.
Trade Data Highlights Growing Frustration Among Fantasy Managers
Data from the PFSN Trade Analyzer reveals a sharp reversal in how fantasy owners view Pacheco. In June, 54.9% of trade offers involving him were to acquire the Chiefs back, but by July, that trend dramatically flipped, with 70.5% of trades aimed at moving him away from fantasy rosters. This shift signals that rather than being an asset to build around, he has become one fantasy managers want to trade out of their lineups.
This paradox—where Pacheco’s perceived value is higher than how managers rank him—creates a precarious situation, allowing savvy players to benefit from his brand name while others anticipate a further correction in his stock. The timing coincides with the decline of Kansas City’s offense, which currently ranks 17th in total yards and 15th in scoring per game, further contributing to concerns about sustainable success for Pacheco for fantasy managers.
Injuries Continue to Hamper Pacheco’s Fantasy Reliability
Pacheco’s availability has become a significant problem, undermining his fantasy appeal. He has missed 13 games over the last two seasons, including a fractured fibula sustained in Week 2 of 2024 that underscores his ongoing health challenges. These frequent absences complicate roster decisions, especially since he was selected mid-to-late second round in average draft position (ADP) for 2024, demanding considerable draft capital.
Running backs who suffer extended injuries often struggle to regain timing and effectiveness with their offensive line, and the physical demands of the position can diminish confidence in their ability to execute sharp cuts and absorb contact. Additionally, Kansas City’s offense has evolved to distribute touches more broadly, reducing Pacheco’s role and limiting the likelihood of him being involved heavily unless performing at his best.
This strategic flexibility from the Chiefs forces fantasy managers to wrestle with uncertainty regarding Pacheco’s touch volume and overall usage moving forward.
Sharp Decline in Efficiency Raises Alarms
Efficiency metrics underline Pacheco’s struggles in 2024, demonstrating a troubling performance downturn. While he performed 4.9% better than expected in his first two seasons, his efficiency plummeted to 22.9% below expectations this year, a swing of nearly 28 percentage points that highlights problems beyond mere bad luck.
One of the most concerning signs is Pacheco’s lack of explosive plays. In 2024, he managed only three runs over 10 yards on 83 attempts—a low rate of just 3.6%, a stark drop from his 9.8% rate in 2023. Since big plays often separate elite fantasy running backs from average performers, this decline severely diminishes his upside.
Factors behind this reduction likely include the impact of early-season injuries limiting his burst and field vision, along with opposing defenses adapting to his playing style as more game film becomes available. These challenges weigh heavily against fantasy managers hoping for a return to his previous form.
Pacheco’s Fantasy Future Hinges on Health and Explosiveness
Isiah Pacheco currently presents a classic dilemma: a player whose name recognition and past successes maintain inflated value even as performance and health issues suggest a sell-high opportunity. For fantasy managers, careful evaluation is vital to avoid overestimating his potential rebound.
Long-term fantasy relevance for Pacheco depends on both his ability to stay healthy and regain the dynamic running style that once marked him as a star candidate. However, the combination of persistent injuries and declining efficiency makes a full recovery increasingly uncertain.
As fantasy championships often come down to recognizing early warning signs and adjusting strategies accordingly, Pacheco’s case serves as a cautionary example. Managers are reminded that impressive past performances do not guarantee future success, and sometimes the best decisions involve moving on from once-promising players who show ongoing setbacks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What tragedy happened to Isiah Pacheco?
A. Isiah Pacheco faced a heartbreaking tragedy when he lost Travoise and Celeste in back-to-back years, 2016 and 2017. His brother, Travoise, was killed by a man who said he acted in self-defense during an apartment altercation. However, the court later ruled the man guilty of murder.
Q. What bone did Isiah Pacheco break?
A. Following the injury, it was discovered that Pacheco had a broken fibula. Healing from a bone fracture usually takes several months. Initial news suggested Pacheco would be unavailable for four weeks.
Q. Has Isiah Pacheco cleared the concussion protocol?
A. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Isiah Pacheco, the running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, is allowed to play again after passing the NFL’s concussion tests. He will participate in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to information shared with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.