Chase Brown vs Isiah Pacheco: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals) averaged 14.6 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Isiah Pacheco (Detroit Lions, 6.0 PPG) by 8.6 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
That 8.6-point weekly advantage for Chase Brown is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Chase Brown is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 69 targets into 437 yards, while Isiah Pacheco profiles as a more traditional rusher with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Chase Brown carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Chase Brown is off Week 12 and Isiah Pacheco Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
