Kareem Hunt Keeps Control Of Chiefs' Backfield In Isiah Pacheco's Return

By Jody Smith | Updated on Fri, Nov 28 2025 8:36 PM UTC

Isiah Pacheco returned to action after missing three games with a sprained MCL, but Kareem Hunt continued to lead the Chiefs in playing time and opportunities in Kansas City's 31-28 loss. Hunt out-snapped Pacheco 42-20 and also held a 14-3 edge in carries.

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Hunt received Kansas City's first carry, which came on their second drive. Pacheco got his first rush two plays later, but Hunt dominated touches the rest of the way.

Brashard Smith, who saw an 18% snap rate and 7% target share while Pacheco was sidelined, barely played.

PLAYER	SNAPS	ROUTES	TOUCHES	PPR
Kareem Hunt	42	25	15	8.5
Isiah Pacheco	20	10	5	4.3
Brashard Smith	4	2	0	0.0

It's possible that Andy Reid wanted to ease Pacheco back into action, but he practiced in full before the game.

While the Cowboys' run defense has improved lately, it was still an excellent matchup for Kansas City's backs. Pacheco's lack of involvement was definitely concerning.

Moving forward, Hunt looks like the KC back to have, especially because of this red-zone usage. While this backfield is fluid and could change from a week-to-week basis, it's hard to view Pacheco as anything other than a middling Flex option.

Kansas City's remaining strength of schedule for their RBs ranks 17th, but includes a pair of rough games against the Texans next week and the Broncos in championship week.

• Week 14 vs. Houston

• Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Week 16 at Tennessee

• Week 17 vs. Denver

Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.