Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Battle: Isiah Pacheco vs Kareem Hunt for RB1 Spot
Kansas City Chiefs’ Running Back Conundrum: Isiah Pacheco vs. Kareem Hunt
Struggles in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Running Game
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season has started off with unexpected challenges in their running game, contributing to a somewhat rocky 2-2 start. Surprisingly, quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the team’s rushing statistics with 130 yards and a touchdown, an unexpected scenario for the star QB. A significant factor in the Chiefs’ offensive struggles has been the competition between Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt for the lead running back position.
Isiah Pacheco: The Current RB1
Isiah Pacheco remains the frontrunner in the race for RB1, but questions linger. Despite his comeback after a limited season last year, Pacheco has struggled to make the desired impact. His current performance, averaging four yards per carry, has seen him rush for 127 yards over 32 attempts without finding the end zone. Pacheco’s promising potential, highlighted by previous seasons with near-1,000 yard performances, keeps him in the conversation as the Chiefs’ primary rusher.
Kareem Hunt’s Return to Kansas City
Kareem Hunt rejoined the Chiefs for his second stint, after a successful period with the Cleveland Browns. However, replicating his earlier success with Kansas City has proven challenging. Hunt has carried the ball 36 times this season, amassing just 115 yards with an average of 3.2 yards per carry. His longest run so far has reached just 11 yards, and he has yet to score a touchdown, raising concerns about his ability to compete for the main running back role.
The Chiefs’ Offensive Challenges
Overall, the Chiefs’ running game has underperformed, ranking them just 14th in Pro Football Systems Network’s (PFSN) Offense Impact with a C+ grade. The team’s reliance on Mahomes for rushing yards highlights their need for a more effective ground game from their running backs. Despite Hunt having slightly more carries, Pacheco is still viewed as the more promising option due to his youth, speed, and potential for growth.
Current Running Back Statistics
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns | Average Yards/Carry | Longest Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 22 | 130 | 1 | 5.9 | – |
| Isiah Pacheco | 32 | 127 | 0 | 4.0 | 12 |
| Kareem Hunt | 36 | 115 | 0 | 3.2 | 11 |
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on head coach Andy Reid’s strategies to rejuvenate the Chiefs’ rushing offense. Both Pacheco and Hunt will need to elevate their performances to provide the support necessary for Kansas City’s quest to achieve their Super Bowl ambitions.
