As August arrives, fantasy football enthusiasts are deep into draft preparation, seeking insights that go beyond the usual preseason hype. The spotlight is on running backs, particularly Isiah Pacheco, as managers consider whether he can regain his pre-injury form during the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL preseason and influence their Isiah Pacheco fantasy football decisions.
Evaluating Running Back Prospects in This NFL Preseason
The NFL preseason presents a recurring challenge: distinguishing meaningful player performances from routine practice signals. Coaches often offer glowing remarks that carry little weight, whereas critical or negative comments can indicate deeper concerns. For fantasy managers, this means guarding against overreacting to isolated plays or drills. However, preseason contests do hold significance, particularly due to ongoing positional battles that could clarify team depth charts and player roles.
Running backs, especially in unsettled backfields, tend to receive playing time during these exhibition games, allowing evaluators to observe how the depth chart may shake out. With multiple candidates vying for roles, fantasy managers need to scrutinize these performances carefully before the regular season.
The Chiefs’ Running Game and Isiah Pacheco’s Recovery
Under Andy Reid’s direction, the Kansas City Chiefs follow a predictable pattern in preseason usage: starters get limited reps in early games and usually sit out the third game. While quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce often remain a fantasy certainty regardless of preseason outings, running back performances garner closer inspection. This season, the focus is on Isiah Pacheco.
Pacheco was emerging as a breakout fantasy pick last season before a leg fracture in Week 2 abruptly halted his progress. His return over two months later was marked by diminished explosiveness, prompting Reid to revert to Kareem Hunt as the primary back during the playoffs. Now, with the Chiefs re-signing Hunt, signing Elijah Mitchell, and drafting Brashard Smith, Pacheco’s hold on the starter role faces competition.
Fantasy managers should watch preseason games to see whether Pacheco has reclaimed his former aggressive running style and agility. If he returns to form as a 16-18 touch-per-game back, his value at an RB25 average draft position could represent a significant draft-day advantage. Conversely, if he struggles to separate himself from Hunt, Mitchell, or Smith, the backfield risk of committee production increases, potentially dampening his fantasy appeal.
The implications extend beyond Pacheco himself, as how the Chiefs deploy their backs will shape fantasy interest across the entire unit. Observing whether Pacheco regains his burst will be crucial to understanding which Chiefs running backs to target in drafts.
Houston Texans’ Backfield Uncertainty: Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, and Joe Mixon’s Status
In Houston, the running back situation is clouded by injury concerns and potential transitions. Joe Mixon, a consistent fantasy RB1, faces questions with a foot injury that may threaten his Week 1 availability and durability throughout the season. While he shined in playoff games, Mixon faded noticeably late last year, heightening speculation about his long-term viability.
Nick Chubb, also on the Texans roster after a recent knee injury and foot break last season, struggled to regain his usual explosiveness. His 3.3 yards per carry average was a career low, leading to questions about his ability to carry the workload moving forward. Unlike typical veterans protected from preseason action, Chubb’s unsettled role could lead to some preseason snaps, providing valuable insight into his readiness and effectiveness.
The Texans also invested a fourth-round draft pick in Woody Marks, an older rookie equipped with notable receiving skills. Marks, who caught 261 passes over 57 collegiate games at USC, is expected to compete for passing-down duties and could alter the backfield’s dynamic if he secures significant playing time.
“USC’s Woody Marks is probably the best RB in the #NFLDraft2025 class you haven’t seen play. He’s BUILT for today’s dual-backfield NFL game. Explosive rusher with 261 career collegiate receptions. Don’t sleep.” —Ray G, Analyst
Preseason action will reveal how Marks is utilized by the Texans, particularly whether he receives snaps with the first team on passing downs or serves as a hurry-up option. His role could expand quickly if Mixon misses time or struggles with health, making it vital for fantasy managers to monitor his deployment closely.
New York Giants’ Running Back Competition Involving Cam Skattebo
The Giants present a situation where the preseason may prove more telling due to an entirely revamped quarterback room and a backfield with no firmly established starter. While head coach Brian Daboll generally limits starters‘ preseason snaps, rookie Cam Skattebo is expected to see game action against incumbent Tyrone Tracy Jr., who led the backfield as a late fifth-round pick last year.
Although Tracy was a solid breakout as a rookie, Skattebo’s higher draft capital and collegiate receiving productivity make him a player to watch. Skattebo hauled in 45 receptions during his final season at Arizona State and could compete for three-down back duties alongside Tracy.
This backfield is projected to be split evenly, with no clear lead back emerging. Fantasy managers should note that outcomes could vary weekly based on the “hot hand” approach, rather than a fixed starter system. Preseason performance may shed light on which back gains an edge, helping managers gauge which player offers better season-long value.
Backfield Dynamics in Jacksonville: Etienne, Bigsby, and Bhayshul Tuten
The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the preseason with an unsettled running back group featuring veterans Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, alongside rookie Bhayshul Tuten, a fourth-round draft choice. With a new coaching staff led by Liam Coen, no player has guaranteed status, allowing for a true meritocracy where playing time depends on performance.
Tank Bigsby’s skill set limits him mostly to early downs and scoring opportunities given his lack of receiving acumen, capping his fantasy ceiling. Meanwhile, Etienne, who possesses more versatility, had a difficult 2024 season and ceded starter responsibilities to Bigsby at times. Bhayshul Tuten adds intrigue due to his draft pedigree but remains unproven.
Fantasy managers should closely observe how Jacksonville uses these backs during the preseason, focusing on snap counts, situational roles, and which backs stay on the field late in games. Improved clarity on their roles could adjust average draft positions across the backfield, providing smart targets as the draft approaches.
Dallas Cowboys Face Open Race Among Running Backs
Much like Jacksonville, the Dallas Cowboys present uncertainty at running back. Having drafted Ezekiel Elliott high in 2016, the Cowboys now ironically embody the “running backs don’t matter” philosophy, as the position lacks stability and proven talent on their roster.
Last season, Rico Dowdle led the Cowboys’ backfield, but he has since departed. This offseason, the Cowboys added veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, alongside rookie Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round selection known for his speed but carrying concerns about work ethic and consistency.
With no clear frontrunner, all three backs should see preseason action, giving fantasy watchers a chance to evaluate their prospects. Williams and Sanders have established NFL experience but face questions about health and production, while Blue’s potential upside presents intrigue despite the uncertainty.
Tracking how the Cowboys rotate these backs and identifying who commands the most touches will be critical for making informed draft decisions. A back earning 12 or more carries per game could quickly become a valuable fantasy asset.
Running Back Prospects in Cleveland Following Quinshon Judkins’ Absence
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a difficult position after second-round pick Quinshon Judkins faces off-field legal issues, jeopardizing his signing and participation in training camp. This development opens the door for rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson to work with the first team and compete for role shares with veteran <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/jerome-ford/”>Jerome Ford.
Neither Sampson nor Ford is expected to dominate touches, as the Browns likely will distribute backfield carries, but preseason form will guide fantasy decision-makers. Sampson’s promising preseason performances will bolster his draft stock, while struggles could shift focus back toward Ford, who has been a serviceable fill-in for Nick Chubb in recent seasons.
Preseason Insights Will Shape Fantasy Football Draft Strategies
The NFL preseason offers critical evaluation opportunities for uncertain running back situations across several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns. Isiah Pacheco’s ability to return to pre-injury explosiveness will be especially consequential for fantasy managers focusing on his value.
For running backs facing health questions or sharing backfields with several competitors, the preseason glimpse into usage patterns, burst, and resilience will influence draft-day selections and strategies. With many roles unsettled and the potential for committee backfields, sustained attention to preseason deployments will provide necessary insights to navigate the complexities of Isiah Pacheco fantasy football and others in similar situations.