A detail of Kansas City Chiefs helmets prior to the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
For the second straight year, the NFL will hold a game on Black Friday, and this time, it will feature the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs going up against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chiefs have lost a few key players to injury this season, but they have still managed to go 10-1 thus far, which is the best record in the league.
For the last couple of years, Pacheco has become one of the Chiefs’ main offensive weapons, especially as they have evolved into a dink-and-dunk offensive team.
In 2023, his second season in the NFL, he ran for 935 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 44 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
With Pacheco out, Kansas City brought in running back Kareem Hunt, who started his career with them in 2017, and he has filled in decently with 577 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Despite their stellar record and the fact that they seem favored to win a third straight Vince Lombardi Trophy, eight of their 10 wins have come by seven points or fewer, and it is something that could get exposed down the line.
While their defense has largely held up, their lack of major offensive weapons, and the fact that stud wide receiver Rashee Rice is out for the season, is a concern for them moving forward.
But having Pacheco back will serve as a shot in the arm for the Chiefs as they look to peak in time for the playoffs.