Isiah Pacheco vs Michael Carter: Who Should You Start?
Isiah Pacheco (6.0 PPG) and Michael Carter (6.3 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two running backs are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Isiah Pacheco played 13 games for the Detroit Lions; Michael Carter suited up 13 times for the Tennessee Titans.
A 0.3-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Isiah Pacheco ran for 462 yards and 1 touchdowns; Michael Carter posted 333 and 1. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Both share a Week 5 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking running backs this deep on your bench, plan your replacement running back early.
