AFC West Position Rankings: Running Backs

4. Kansas City Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon

Other running backs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince, La'Mical Perine

This is an area where the Chiefs seem to feel confident in their indefinite supply of "quality" backs. Hence, the Chiefs are zigging while the rest of the league is zagging. Like the Belichick/Brady teams of old, the Chiefs are playing with a true "running back by committee" system. The hope is that they can keep fresh legs and good health at the highly volatile running back position. Although they don't have the top-notch options at the position like the other teams in the division, they are certainly on to something.

Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon form the definition of a thunder and lightning combination. Pacheco, despite having sub-4.4 40-time speed, runs with tenacity and power. McKinnon is quick to get from sideline to sideline and make a guy miss in the open field. The Chiefs utilize him very effectively in the passing game, and the emergence of Deneric Prince in training camp provides them with yet another potentially effective option. While they end up fourth on this list, the Chiefs should not have a deep concern with the talent level at this position.

PRODUCTION in 2022:

Isiah Pacheco: 170 carries, 830 yards, 4.9 yards/carry, 5 rushing TDs, 13 receptions, 130 rec. yards
Other RBs: 160 carries, 663 yards, 4.1 yards/carry, 5 rushing TDs, 74 receptions, 815 receiving yards, 12 receiving TDs

PROJECTIONS FOR 2023:

Isiah Pacheco: 229 carries, 1,109 yards, 4.8/ per carry, 7 rushing TDs, 20 receptions, 177 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
Other RBs: 110 carries, 471 rushing yards, 48 receptions, 562 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs