Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) will return in Week 13 to play this Friday in a divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders as long as he doesn't suffer a setback before then, according to head coach Andy Reid. Pacheco was close to returning from Injured Reserve in the Week 12 win over the Carolina Panthers, but the Chiefs chose to hold him out for one more week. The 25-year-old put in his first full practice on Tuesday, though, since fracturing his right ankle way back on Sept. 15. Pacheco was KC's clear-cut lead back before the injury, but there's a chance he'll split touches with Kareem Hunt in the backfield in his first game back on Black Friday, which would make him a volatile option for fantasy managers. Pacheco was a must-start fantasy RB before his injury and he had 34 carries for 135 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and one TD in two games before his injury in 2024.UPDATE: Pacheco had another full practice on Wednesday.

It's looking like Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) might return from Injured Reserve in Week 13 to face the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Friday. Pacheco remains on IR but put in a full practice on Tuesday to kick off the week. It's the first time he's practiced in full since fracturing his right ankle back on Sept. 15. The 25-year-old required surgery for the injury, but he's nearing his return. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy mentioned that the workload this Friday between Pacheco and Kareem Hunt will be determined situationally during the game. It sounds like KC is planning on having Pacheco available in Week 13, but it could be more of an even split between the two RBs in a great matchup. Pacheco was the lead back before his injury, but the Chiefs could ease him back in against Vegas. It makes both RBs more volatile RB3/flex plays if Pacheco is active on Friday.

Kansas City Chiefs rookie kicker Spencer Shrader (hamstring) will not participate in the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday. On a short week -- the Chiefs play the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders this Friday -- Shrader's availability is now in question. Harrison Butker (knee) is on Injured Reserve, so the 25-year-old was scooped up off the New York Jets' practice squad and has served as KC's kicker the last two games. He's held his own for the Super Bowl champions, converting on all three of his field-goal tries and all six of his extra-point attempts. As insurance, the Chiefs added Matthew Wright to their practice squad on Tuesday. The Raiders have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, so whoever is kicking for Kansas City on Black Friday is at least worth a look as a streamer at the position in Week 13. Whether the Chiefs activate Wright to the active roster will be a telling sign for Shrader this week.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine took his lone carry for 13 yards and caught both of his targets for an additional 12 yards in the team's 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also racked up 104 yards on three kick returns with a long gain of 56. Despite logging 32% of Kansas City's snaps, Perine was held to only three touches out of the backfield, even though he was effective on his sole rush attempt. Backfield mate Kareem Hunt dominated backfield touches yet again, out-touching the 29-year-old 19-to-3, while Carson Steele registered three opportunities (one rush). With running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) due back in short order, the journeyman RB will likely garner even less fantasy value than he does now. The Chiefs will line up against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next Friday in Week 13.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson brought in 1-of-2 targets for 15 yards in the team's 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Carolina made it a game in this one, giving the Chiefs all they could handle up until the end of the fourth quarter. However, KC still held on, yet again winning a game in the waning seconds of regulation. Despite recording a 60% snap-share or better in seven of his last eight appearances, Watson has registered more than 26 receiving yards just twice in that stretch. He's averaging an abysmal 1.64 receptions and 19.8 receiving yards through 11 games in 2024. Despite another exploitable matchup in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders at home, the 28-year-old will not be a recommended option.