On New Year’s Eve, former Rutgers running back Isiah Pacheco carried the Kansas City Chiefs to a Week 17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pacheco and the Chiefs defeated the Bengals 25-17 to secure their tenth win of the season.
The former Scarlet Knight had a strong performance on Sunday, recording 18 carries for a career-best 130 rushing yards, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. The 2022 seventh-round pick registered the game’s longest rush, recording a 37-yard run. Along with his strong performance on the ground, Pacheco added seven catches out of the backfield for 35 yards and a touchdown.
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STANDIN’ ON BUSINESS. pic.twitter.com/QcvdaGJTft
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 1, 2024
Through Week 17, Pacheco has logged 205 carries for 935 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. The second-year pro has registered his third 100+ rushing performance in 2023 and is the lead back for the Chiefs as they inch closer to the playoffs. Also, in the passing game, Pacheco has developed into a sure-handed receiver out of the backfield, recording 44 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns this season.
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According to ESPN, the former Rutgers’ team captain is No. 10 in the NFL for rushing yards (935 yards) and No. 14 for rushing touchdowns (7 touchdowns). With their win over the Bengals, the Chiefs secured the No. 3 seed in the AFC conference as they wrap up the regular season next week against the Chargers.