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Should I drop Isiah Pacheco for fantasy football Week 4? Is Isiah Pacheco a safe player to cut from fantasy teams? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.
Isiah Pacheco might be one of the toughest runners in the NFL. Every carry looks like he’s trying to punish the turf, but three weeks into the season, his furious running style hasn’t translated into fantasy production. Instead of big numbers, he’s delivered frustration, leaving managers wondering how long they can wait for a double-digit scoring game.
Even the team’s “108 rushing yards per game” average is fool’s gold. Patrick Mahomes already rushed for 66 yards in a single game, which inflates the stat sheet and makes the ground attack look far more dangerous than it really is. The Chiefs have struggled to find any rhythm in the backfield, and Pacheco’s limited workload has kept his fantasy ceiling frustratingly low.
So here’s the real question fantasy managers are buzzing about: Do you cut bait now or ride out the storm? Let's figure that out and take a deeper look.
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Should I Drop Isiah Pacheco in Fantasy Football?
Pacheco’s ultra-physical style is part of the concern. He attacks defenders with the type of force that invites injuries. Everyone knows injuries happen in football, but some players carry a higher risk, and Pacheco fits that mold.
The Chiefs also brought in Kareem Hunt, and while Hunt isn’t matching Pacheco’s snap count, he’s siphoning enough carries to wreck Pacheco’s rhythm. Running backs need a steady flow of touches to heat up, and Pacheco is hovering around 10 carries per game.
That is nowhere near starter-level volume for fantasy managers chasing upside. Look no further than Week 3 against the New York Giants. Back home in New Jersey, Pacheco was set up for a statement game. Instead, he failed to deliver even as a desperation flex.
The larger issue? Kansas City’s offense is stuck in neutral. Injuries and shaky offensive line play have slowed everything down. If the next three weeks don’t bring change, Pacheco becomes a clear-cut drop candidate.
Isiah Pacheco Fantasy Football Outlook
Help is on the way once wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are set to return soon. Their speed will stretch defenses and force opponents to respect the pass, giving Pacheco more room to run and opening the door for red-zone opportunities.
The schedule is another reason to stay patient. After their Week 10 bye, the Chiefs face the Texans, Cowboys, and Broncos—three defenses that have bled fantasy points to running backs.
Pacheco’s playoff stretch looks even better: Titans in Week 16, Broncos in Week 17, and Raiders in Week 18. That is the kind of late-season slate that wins leagues.
Let's not forget Andy Reid’s history. Few coaches adjust better after a bye. If Kansas City finds its groove, Pacheco’s touches and scoring chances could spike at the perfect time.
Fantasy Football Strategy for Pacheco
For now, the smart move is to hold and watch. Trading Pacheco straight up won’t bring fair value. Instead, wait for a breakout game or two, then package him in a two-for-one deal while his stock rises.
If the touches don’t increase in the next few weeks, revisit the decision. But patience could pay off. Monitor his snap count and carries closely. If his volume climbs, Pacheco can settle into a flex role and become a key contributor when it matters most.
Bottom line: Dropping Isiah Pacheco today is too hasty. Stay the course, track his usage, and hope the Chiefs’ offense finally wakes up.
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