Isiah Pacheco vs RJ Harvey: Who Should You Start?
Isiah Pacheco and RJ Harvey are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Isiah Pacheco averaged 6.0 PPG across 13 games with the Detroit Lions, while RJ Harvey posted 10.8 PPG in 17 appearances for the Denver Broncos.
A 4.8-PPG gap gives RJ Harvey the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
RJ Harvey is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 47 targets into 356 yards, while Isiah Pacheco profiles as a more traditional rusher with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats RJ Harvey carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Isiah Pacheco sits Week 5 while RJ Harvey is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.