Should I Start Kareem Hunt or Brashard Smith In Week 9? Fantasy Matchups And RB Outlooks Explored

With the midpoint of the season here, the Kansas City Chiefs have suffered a minor blow to its backfield. During the fourth quarter of last night’s Monday Night Football win for the Kansas City Chiefs, running back Isiah Pacheco came off the field limping in the fourth quarter.

Per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Pacheco suffered an MCL sprain and is considered week-to-week. This means Pacheco could be out no time, one game, or multiple games. There isn’t much information about his injury.

Isiah Pacheco is considered week-to-week with an MCL sprain, per @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/qOOsSSdERY

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 28, 2025

With Pacheco potentially sidelined this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, let’s take a look at who the better start would be between backups Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith.

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Kareem Hunt Fantasy Outlook

Kareem Hunt has been a reliable RB2 in Kansas City for the last two seasons. He rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This year, he is third on the team in rushing yards with 245 and has a team-high four rushing touchdowns. He’s the team’s go to ball carrier in goal-line situations.

Brashard Smith Fantasy Outlook

Brashard Smith has a chance to see an increase in snaps with Isiah Pacheco potentially missing some time. The rookie was drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and has seen minimal time on the field.

Smith has been active for all eight games and has 25 carries for 75 yards this season. He also has 14 catches for 122 receiving yards.

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The Verdict

Kareem Hunt. At least for now, if Isiah Pacheco is out, the backfield is Kareem Hunt’s to lead.

Hunt was with the team during the 2017 and 2018 seasons as well as last year, and has been a consistent scorer for Kansas City. He’s also filled in well for Pacheco when he’s had to, and with Smith not having much experience, Hunt would be the better pick up/start in fantasy. However, Smith has more of a chance to prove himself and give himself more reps if he does well during Pacheco’s absence if he is sidelined.

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