Navigating the Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Dilemma

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: The Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Conundrum

A Quagmire in the Backfield

The Kansas City Chiefs’ running back situation is one of the most frustrating for fantasy managers this season. With a mix of underwhelming performances, injuries, and unpredictability, it’s tough to feel confident starting any Chiefs running back right now. The days when Kansas City had a clear-cut RB1 seem long gone, and now we’re left guessing which back will get the majority of touches each week.

Whether it’s Samaje Perine, Carson Steele, or a possible late-season return for Kareem Hunt, fantasy managers are left in a bind. None of these backs offer the security we need, and even if one of them gets the starting nod, there’s no guarantee they’ll perform at a high level or get enough volume to make a difference. If you’re desperate enough to start a Chiefs running back, it’s likely because you’re in a deep league or dealing with injuries. But proceed with caution.

Avoid If Possible: Uncertainty Reigns in Kansas City

If you can afford to stay away from the Chiefs’ backfield, that’s probably your best option. Isiah Pacheco is on the injured list due to a broken leg, and now you have players like Steele and Perine getting touches. While Pacheco has the most name value, none of these backs have separated themselves as a surefire option, and the Chiefs’ offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, is more focused on the passing game than pounding the ball on the ground.

The real issue here is the lack of a defined goal-line back or a clear third-down option. Usually, even in a committee, you can identify the guy who will punch it in at the 1-yard line, or the one who will rack up receptions in a PPR format. But for Kansas City, there’s no clarity. In fact, Pacheco, Steele, and Perine all seem interchangeable depending on who has the hot hand. And with Clyde Edwards-Helaire expected to be activated soon, things could get even messier.

Betting on the Chiefs’ Backfield: High Risk, Low Reward

For bettors, the Kansas City running back situation isn’t any more attractive. If you’re betting on player props, it’s difficult to feel confident in wagering on any Chiefs running back to hit their rushing or receiving totals. The workload is simply too unpredictable, and even betting on a touchdown scorer feels like a shot in the dark. If you’re going to place a bet on a Chiefs running back, Perine might be your best bet for an anytime touchdown, but even that comes with a considerable amount of risk.

Kansas City’s offense doesn’t focus on the run game when they get near the goal line. Mahomes often opts for quick passes, leaving the backs to play a secondary role. If you’re betting, stick to safer plays like Mahomes’ passing props or a Travis Kelce anytime touchdown, which is a far more reliable bet than guessing which running back might find the end zone.

Fantasy Outlook: Flex Value at Best

For fantasy football, all the Chiefs running backs should be viewed as flex plays at best. None of these backs are worth considering as an RB1 or even an RB2 unless you’re incredibly desperate. I don’t rank any of them inside my top 30 this week, and they all come with more questions than answers. If you’re forced to start one of them, Pacheco might have the most upside, but it’s not a situation you should feel good about.

Many fantasy managers have overpaid for Steele or Perine on the waiver wire, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle, but this backfield rotation feels like it’s going to be a frustrating one all season. With Hunt potentially coming back into the mix in future weeks, the volatility is only going to increase. If you’re in a pinch, go ahead and start one of these guys, but keep your expectations in check.

Final Thoughts: Stay Away If You Can

The Kansas City Chiefs’ running back situation is a mess, and it’s best to avoid it if you can. Whether it’s Steele, Perine, or a potential return for Hunt, there’s no clear-cut option that you can rely on in fantasy football. For betting, stick to more predictable plays like Mahomes’ passing yards or Kelce’s touchdown props.

In the end, the Chiefs’ offense is built around Mahomes and the passing game, and until one of these running backs proves they can consistently perform, they’ll remain little more than flex plays with limited upside.