NFL Player News

As was the case the entire postseason, Pacheco remained a non-factor behind Kareem Hunt and a struggling offensive line. Pacheco’s steady early-career momentum was halted by a Week 2 broken leg. He returned ahead of schedule in Week 13 but was visibly not the same player. Pacheco limped to a 3.6 YPC across the Chiefs’ final five regular season contests, handling more than nine carries just twice and never reaching 15. He caught only five passes during those five games, taking a clear backseat to a dead-legged Hunt. Veteran Hunt carried the mail during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run. It stands to reason 26-year-old Pacheco (in March) will return to better health and increased production in 2025, but his violent running style makes it easy to envision more injuries. That, combined with his advanced age heading into the final year of his rookie contract leads one to wonder if Pacheco has already peaked for fantasy purposes, very much including in Dynasty formats. There’s still little doubt he will remain an important part of the Chiefs’ ‘25 backfield, likely taking the lead. It’s just possible his workloads decline instead of increase from here on out.

Shaheed was seen practicing without a red non-contact jersey today. That is a good sign regarding his availability for the Seahawks’ Week 18 game against the 49ers on Saturday. If he is indeed cleared to play, Shaheed warrants WR3/FLEX treatment against the 49ers’ fantasy-friendly defense. The game’s outcome determines both the NFC West champion and the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed.

Rivers could still suit up as a backup one last time, but it appears as though his time in the NFL has finally come to a close. Kay Adams spoke with Rivers on Wednesday, pressing him on the matter. The 44-year-old quarterback reiterated that it is, indeed, time to hang up his cleats. In three games with the Colts, Rivers completed 58-of-92 passes for four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Kittle resumed practicing in a limited capacity on Tuesday. We do not yet know his participation level today, but he is certainly on the right side of questionable for Saturday’s game. The Seahawks field an elite defense, but Kittle should be started as a high-end TE1 all the same.

Chargers starting RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has only ruled out QB Justin Herbert (hand) thus far, though other starters could also be ruled out as the week progresses. Chargers No. 3 RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) was limited as well. Backup RB Jaret Patterson can be stashed by running back-needy fantasy managers.

Hampton is a candidate to sit out in Week 18 against the Broncos. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has already ruled out QB Justin Herbert (hand), and told reporters earlier this week that getting his players healthy is a priority this week. Chargers backup RB Jaret Patterson could handle a decent workload, with Nos. 2 and 3 RBs, Kimani Vidal (neck) and Hassan Haskins (concussion), limited on Wednesday.

Worthy has performed underwhelmingly for quite some time. Illnesses rarely keep players sidelined on game day, so we expect him out there against the Raiders this week, though he will likely be stuck running cardio for much of it. Worthy is a touchdown-dependent FLEX option in Week 18.

The Chiefs rotated three running backs last week, rendering all low-floor options. If Hunt’s illness were to sideline him on game day, both RB Isiah Pacheco and RB Brashard Smith would get a projections boost against the Raiders’ porous defense in Week 18.

Bech is back. Whether that means much for the Raiders’ Week 18 outlook remains to be seen. The underwhelming rookie will at least have a chance to put a good game on film for whichever coaching staff is there to review it in 2026, though. Bech is a low-floor FLEX this week.

It appears as though Smith’s season is over. Earlier today, Vegas Nation’s Vincent Bonsignore reported that the Raiders will use “a combination of Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell” this week. Neither player should be in starting lineups, in what sounds like some sort of game-day platoon. In his first season with the Raiders, Smith completed 302-of-448 passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, while rushing 41 times for 109 yards. He is under contract through 2027, though he is owed no money that season. If the Raiders were to cut him this offseason, it would cost them $18.5 million in dead money while saving them $8 million.

Miller’s 21-day practice window expired. His season is over. It is yet another unfortunate development in the Raiders’ lost 2025 season. Miller has been sidelined since suffering a high-ankle sprain and a hairline fracture in Week 4 against the Bears. His 89.8 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks second among offensive tackles with at least 250 blocking snaps. He turns 31 in September 2026. Hopefully, he can return to form next season.