Roundtable: Analyzing the Chiefs Backfield

The leader of the Chiefs backfield was a viable fantasy asset with Isaiah Pacheco as the starter. Without Pacheco, we have a lot more unknowns. It's time to assess the fallout.

Welcome to Week 3 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.

This week's roundtable features these four topics:

• New Starting Quarterbacks
• NFL Storylines to Follow
• Analyzing the Rams Passing Game
• Analyzing the Chiefs Backfield (see below)

Let's roll.

Analyzing the Chiefs Backfield

Matt Waldman: Tell us what you think will happen with the Kansas City backfield and provide actional fantasy recommendations.

Jeff Bell: Carson Steele provides the highest upside. Samaje Perine delivers the most immediate utility but is a full PPR play. Andy Reid has been high on the rookie Steele; he can add a physical presence to the run game, but he must prove that he can stay on the field in pass protection.

Steele has the best chance to claim an every-down role, especially getting goal-line work. The team lacks a dynamic backfield option and will likely need to take a pass-heavy approach in the short term. 

Kareem Hunt was the first outside name mentioned. He understands the technical aspects of the position and has experience in the offense. Keaontay Ingram is a Matt Waldman Favorite and may have the group's most rounded three-down skillset.

While Hunt is the "outsider" of the group with the most compelling track record, his uninspiring performance in Cleveland last year leaves us with questions about how much he has left. Ingram is the more compelling "outside" of the group if counting that Ingram wasn't a part of the active roster until this week. 

The rookie Emani Bailey is a deep-cut wild card shocker, but I do not see that one coming to fruition. Steele and Perine are the priority waiver adds. 

Steele is the priority waiver. I would spend 15%-20% of my budget. He has the best chance to become fantasy-relevant in shallow leagues. 

Perine is a secondary target, and I would recommend spending 7%. In full PPR scoring, Perine has more value. Hunt and Ingram are players I'd wait to consider when you can acquire players at no cost. 

Phil Alexander: Samaje Perine has a better chance of developing into a reliable fantasy starter than Carson Steele or Kareem Hunt. Before Pacheco's injury, Steele got short yardage and goal-line carries against the Bengals. After Pacheco left the game, Steele stepped in on early downs.

While Andy Reid may have tipped his hand in favor of Steele with this usage, it's important to remember Perine only joined the team about two weeks ago. Steele also fumbled in his limited Week 2 action, which could have reminded the coaching staff they shouldn't put too much on the plate of an undrafted rookie free agent who is probably better suited to play fullback.

Perine isn't explosive and lacks the lure of the unknown Steele brings to the table, but our buddy Joey Wright would like to remind you the veteran has been efficient in his career when trusted with increased workloads. Assuming he gains more of the work on base downs while maintaining his role on passing downs, Perine's role is more valuable than Steele's, even if the latter hogs goal-line opportunities.

Kansas City's running backs scored 18 rushing touchdowns across the last two seasons combined. Jerick McKinnon, whose function in the offense now belongs to Perine, caught 13 touchdowns by himself over the same span.

The best part is you can probably land Perine with a lower waiver bid than it will take to get Steele. I would be fine spending up to 15% of my waiver budget on either back, which is likely enough to land Perine but lose out on Steele. Hunt is a wildcard, but I'm confident he's in decline, and the league agreed by freezing him out during free agency. Let's see him activated from the practice squad before we worry about how he factors into the Chiefs' plans.