When deciding between Isiah Pacheco, Kyren Williams, and Joe Mixon in your fantasy football draft, you must weigh each player's role, potential workload, and team dynamics.
These running backs offer workhorse abilities and should be used on the field as three-down backs. Understanding how each fits into their offenses will help you make the best choice for your fantasy roster, whether you're looking for a high-ceiling option or a dependable contributor.
When examining these three running backs, who should you draft? Let's dive in.
Isiah Pacheco’s fantasy outlook for this season is brimming with potential as he continues establishing himself as a key piece in the Kansas City Chiefs' high-powered offense.
Last season, Pacheco made a strong impression, rushing for 935 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns. With another year of experience and a firm grasp on the starting job, Pacheco is poised to build on those numbers, especially with defenses focused on containing Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack.
His power, speed, and opportunity make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues this year. Pacheco has one of the safest floors out of most running backs, but he isn't cheap, as his ADP sits at RB10.
Isiah Pacheco
18.1 opportunities/game at 4.6 YPC last season.
RB9 in fantasy points/game Weeks 3-13.
Cheapest RB in drafts with a three down role on an ELITE offense.
Great RB for rosters that start WR heavy in drafts.
Kyren Williams heads into this fantasy season as a key player to watch in the Los Angeles Rams backfield. After an impressive season where he rushed for 1,144 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, Williams has solidified himself as a reliable and dynamic option for the Rams.
While the team did draft Blake Corum, his presence shouldn’t significantly impact Williams' workload. Williams' versatility and proven production make him a valuable fantasy asset, particularly in an offense that will likely lean on his playmaking ability.
Being drafted as the RB9 in most half-PPR formatted leagues, Williams offers league-winning potential given his high usage and his receiving abilities for a player who can be grabbed in the second or even the third round.
Joe Mixon’s fantasy outlook for this season with the Texans presents a mix of opportunity and caution. Last year, Mixon rushed for 1,034 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns, showing he still can produce solid numbers as he enters his eighth season.
However, his career yards per carry (YPC) of 4.1 is less than stellar, which raises some concerns about his efficiency, especially as he transitions to a new team at age 28. Mixon has always been a fantasy favorite, but his poor production on the ground isn't hidden behind his high workload.
While Mixon should still see a significant workload as the lead back in Houston, fantasy managers should be mindful of his inconsistent efficiency. Nonetheless, his role as a pass-catching option in the Texans offense makes him a valuable pick, especially with an ADP of RB15.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on Joe Mixon’s abilities in the passing game:
“Joe as a receiving running back, that’s what sets him apart. Everybody understands the running game, how physical he is and how he’s able to gain yards even when it’s not blocked well… But he has really good… pic.twitter.com/gjSoQompkB
When deciding between Isiah Pacheco, Kyren Williams, and Joe Mixon this year in fantasy football, all signs point toward Pacheco being the best selection.
Even though he has a high ADP, Pacheco's ability to run and catch while being a true three-down workhorse gives him the highest upside. Playing in one of the best offenses in the NFL gives him the safest floor, and the game script will favor him as the Chiefs are expected to win the majority of games this season.
Williams will also be fantastic as a mid-second-round selection, but Mixon is a running back fantasy managers should consider looking elsewhere due to his recent poor production on the ground.
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