Brutal Injury: Isiah Pacheco Fractures Fibula in Week 2
Devastatingly, Isiah Pacheco is set land on the Injured Reserve and miss at least four weeks and likely six to eight weeks due to a fibula injury suffered in Week 2 vs. the Bengals:
This is a brutal blow for Pacheco fantasy football owners, who are now scrambling to pick up the right Chiefs backup RB.
The question becomes Samaje Perine vs. Carson Steele. Which Chiefs RB should you add on the Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire? Let’s dive in.
Why you should pickup Samaje Perine on Week 3 Waiver Wires
Samaje Perine has shouldered backfields in the past. Even if he’s not overly exciting, Perine has a true three-down skillset, and is particularly valuable as a pass catcher and protector.
Last season, Perine ranked as the RB1 in Yards Per Route Run (2.22) and RB7 in Targets per route (.26). He’s also been a 75+ graded pass-protector in back-to-back seasons.
At minimum, Perine will be the clear-cut receiving back moving forward, aka the Jerick McKinnon role. Pass protect, leak out for some screens & designed routes, & score some TDs! McKinnon tallied 10 TDs (9 receiving) & was the RB20 in FPs just two seasons ago, and also notched 6 scores (5 receiving) through 12 games last year.
Yet, Perine is plenty capable to shoulder the rushing burden too. In fact, when thrust into starting duty for Joe Mixon in 2022, Perine averaged 23.4 FPPG. His game-logs:
- 15 touches (4 rec), 82 yards, 3 TDs (30.2 FPs, RB2)
- 21 touches (4 rec), 93 yards, 1 TD (19.3 FPs, RB10)
- 27 toches (6 rec), 155 yards (21.5 FPs, RB3)
Perine was on pace for almost 120 targets & 85 receptions! He consistently churns forward and has true three-down capability, even if unexplosive. Ultimately, Perine finished the season as the RB11 in fantasy points per touch, maximizing the volume he got.
If anyone is going to emerge as a true three-down bell cow here, I expect it to be Perine.
Why you should pick up Carson Steele on Week 3 Waiver Wires
Through two games, Carson Steele has been the preferred ball carrier behind Pacheco.
According to Fantasy Life’s Utilization Hub, Steele out-snapped Perine in Week 2, seeing 24% to Perine’s 8%. Steele has 9 carries on the season compared to exactly 0 for Perine, too.
Granted, Steele hasn’t been overly impressive with his touches. He’s recorded just 27 yards on his 9 attempts (3.0 YPC), while also losing a fumble.
Nonetheless, he flashed a ton of juice in the 2024 Preseason. Steele ran incredibly hard, racking up 87 yards and 2 TDs on just 11 carries (7.9 YPC). This included an impressive 31 yard TD scamper.
Steele did flash workhorse upside in college, too. As a sophomore at Ball State, Steele ripped off 1722 yards and 16 TDs on 318 touches (29 rec). He then transferred to UCLA and accrued 1010 YFS and 8 TDs on just 184 touches while in a committee backfield.
There’s a real chance Steele remains the preferred RB in clear rushing situations, and that he outcarries Perine during Pacheco’s absence. If Steele can regain the tackle-churning ability he flashed this preseason, he could end up the more valuable play over Perine.
Final Choice: Samaje Perine vs. Carson Steele – Who to Pick Up in Fantasy Football?
As this write up suggests, I lean Samaje Perine as the top Chiefs RB to add.
At minimum, Perine will have an elevated receiving role in a Patrick Mahomes scheme. Even as just “Jerick McKinnon,” Perine would have Top-25 RB Upside.
Yet, Perine also proved capable of being a true three-down workhorse while with the Bengals. Andy Reid highly values this skillset, as it reduces substitutions and does not tip the offense’s hand to the defense as a committee might.
Although Steele has been the preferred pure rusher so far, he’s been borderline putrid, and also lost a fumble. When push comes to shove, Reid is going to want a reliable guy who will protect the rock, get what’s blocked, and keep Mahomes upright. Perine is the much better choice for that.
Steele is still well-worth a stab on the Waiver Wire too. Whoever earns the lead role will be incredibly valuable. I’d just prioritize my pick up claim or FAAB to go with Perine. Ultimately, if I needed a Christian McCaffrey or Pacheco replacement, I would be willing to toss 50%+ FAAB at Samaje Perine.
Note: Clyde Edwards-Helaire can return after Week 4. Additionally, the Chiefs could bring in a free agent like Leonard Fournette who flat out feasts. The answer very well could be neither when it comes to Perine vs. Steele.
Nonetheless, Perine and Steele should have at least the next two weeks to prove they can be the guy for however long they’re needed. I expect Perine to prove the more worthy heir to this valuable fantasy backfield, and ultimately produce fringe Top-24 RB numbers in the process.
Final Choice: Prioritize Samaje Perine off the Week 3 Waiver Wire, with a bid as high as 50% of your FAAB.
