When running back David Montgomery's offseason departure became inevitable, the Detroit Lions had multiple potential options to replace him alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. Still, one man seemed like an absolutely perfect fit, and indeed, they ended up signing Isiah Pacheco to a one-year deal.
Due in large part to injuries, Pacheco's last couple of seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs did not go very well. Before that, he was a hard-charging and productive runner for two seasons, with a notable added element as a pass catcher in his second season (44 receptions in 2023).
Now, Pacheco is stepping into a role that yielded 33 rushing touchdowns for Montgomery over the last three seasons. Even with notably reduced touch volume as last season went on, which may closely resemble Pacheco's projected role this season with Gibbs tabbed as the bell cow of the offense, Montgomery topped 900 yards from scrimmage with eight rushing scores.
Montgomery's fantasy managers had a tougher time navigating when to start him down the stretch last season than at any point over the previous two seasons, while praying for a touchdown if they did, but he still finished as essentially a flex option (RB27) in 0.5-point PPR scoring (through Week 18).
Double-digit touchdowns pushed Montgomery to being a top-15 running back by fantasy points per game (0.5-point PPR) in 2023 and 2024.
Isiah Pacheco is stepping into an undeniably fruitful fantasy role
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has tabbed 10 potential fantasy football sleepers who are replacing departed stars this season. Given the fantasy profits Montgomery delivered for the better part of three seasons with the Lions, Pacheco landed as a natural inclusion on the list.
"Former Kansas City Chiefs starter Isiah Pacheco has had a rough couple of seasons due to injuries. In 2025, he was limited to 13 games by an MCL sprain and finished with just 563 scrimmage yards."
"It didn't help that the Chiefs lacked the firepower in the passing game and quality blocking up front and ranked just 20th as a team in yards per carry last season."
"Pacheco will get a fresh start with the Detroit Lions this offseason. While he isn't a threat to surpass Jahmyr Gibbs as RB1, he will replace David Montgomery as Gibbs' top running mate. While Detroit's offensive line is experiencing some shuffling, the Lions do have the receiving weapons to back off opposing defenses and give their ground game running room."
"Pacheco may not mirror Montgomery's production perfectly, but he's a strong flex option, a tremendous handcuff, and a potential late-round bargain."
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For managers who draft Gibbs, as Knox noted, Pacheco is practically a must-draft handcuff. He has a chance to provide some (likely fairly touchdown-dependent) standalone value, and he'd push into the RB2 range as a starting option if Gibbs were to miss any time.
Add in an ADP (150 overall in full and 0.5-point PPR) that is and should remain a steal, and you have the recipe for a fantasy sleeper. Gibbs and non-Gibbs fantasy managers need to pay attention to Pacheco as a renewed asset this year.
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