Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt: Who Leads Chiefs’ RB Depth Chart?
The Kansas City Chiefs have faced challenges early in the 2025 season, particularly in their rushing game. Currently, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is leading the team in rushing, an unexpected situation for the franchise. The focus has turned to the running back position, specifically regarding Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, as they vie for the RB1 spot.
Isiah Pacheco vs. Kareem Hunt: RB1 Debate in Kansas City
After four games, the Chiefs hold a record of 2-2, and their running game has not met expectations. So far, Mahomes has 22 carries resulting in 130 rushing yards and one touchdown. Notably, wide receiver Xavier Worthy is the only other player on the team to have reached the end zone on a rush.
Performance Overview
- No running back has scored a touchdown yet this season.
- Pacheco, 26, is currently positioned as the primary running back.
- He is attempting to regain his form after a limited 2024 season, where he only played seven games.
Pacheco is determined to achieve the milestone of 1,000 rushing yards in a season. He has had two near misses, including his rookie year with 830 rushing yards and a subsequent season of 935 yards on 205 carries, accompanied by seven touchdowns. However, this season has presented challenges, as he averages four yards per carry from 32 attempts, amassing 127 yards.
Kareem Hunt’s Return
- Kareem Hunt, 30, is in his second season back with the Chiefs.
- He previously played five seasons with the Cleveland Browns after his initial two seasons in Kansas City.
In 2024, Hunt recorded 200 carries for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, a slight decrease from his performance in Cleveland the previous year. Presently, he is averaging only 3.2 yards per attempt, with his longest rush this year being 11 yards.
Comparative Statistics
| Name | Age | Yards | Attempts | Yards per Attempt | Longest Rush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isiah Pacheco | 26 | 127 | 32 | 4.0 | 12 |
| Kareem Hunt | 30 | 200 | 62 | 3.2 | 11 |
Despite Hunt having more carries than Pacheco, head coach Andy Reid continues to recognize Pacheco as the team’s leading running back. His youth, speed, and potential make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs. The team’s offensive ranking currently sits at 14th in PFSN’s Offense Impact with a C+ grade.
As the season progresses, the performance of both Pacheco and Hunt must improve if Kansas City aims to solidify their run game. Neither back has yet established themselves as the clear-cut RB1, which could impact the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
