As the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense sputters, the key to unlocking their ground game against a surging Dallas Cowboys defense might lie in a tactical shift, and one team legend knows exactly who should lead the charge.

“This probably isn’t the game for it because of Dallas’s tendencies and KC’s ability to shred zone coverage, but Pacheco might be a better RB under center too, where he has more time coming downhill to evaluate the front and make his cut. Especially running outside zone. We’ll see,” Mitchell Schwartz wrote on X.  

Pacheco returns from a right-knee MCL sprain sustained on October 27 during the Chiefs’ win over the Washington Commanders. Before the injury, Pacheco averaged 4.2 yards per carry.

That number speaks to his ability to run out of the traditional under-center setups, especially on outside-zone calls.   

With more time before hitting the line, he reads the front, picks his lane, and bursts downhill. That style challenges defenders by forcing them to commit early or risk getting cut back, creating opportunities for explosive gains, something that could rattle Dallas’s defense in a big way.

Compared to Kareem Hunt, who did well in his absence, Pacheco offers a fresher, downhill-running style that fits better in the Chiefs’ zone-heavy rushing attack.

If the Chiefs re-embrace under-center, outside-zone runs early and often, Pacheco could give them a physical edge and force the Cowboys’ front seven into unstable, reactive gaps. 

Pacheco’s return eases Hunt’s role

Isiah Pacheco’s return brings big relief for Kareem Hunt. Hunt logged a career-high 30 carries last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, rushing for a season-high 104 yards, a touchdown, and was named the “AFC Offensive Player of the Week”. 

Still, over the 2025 season, Hunt only averages 3.9 yards per carry. With Pacheco healthy again, the Chiefs can dial back Hunt’s workload.

That reduces wear and tear on the veteran. Hunt’s strength lies in short-yardage situations. But against the upcoming Dallas Cowboys defense, which excels at plugging gaps and stacking the box, that strength may be limited. 

Kansas City’s running backs have an advantageous Thanksgiving matchup against Dallas. However, the defensive structure actually favors passing attacks even more than ground games. Dallas gives wide receivers and quarterbacks the most points per game, which makes it perfect for Patrick Mahomes to add to his one touchdown pass in his last three games.

Pacheco’s presence also gives Kansas City a two-headed backfield.

Hunt remains a reliable option, but Pacheco becomes the go-to for consistent, high-efficiency carries.

With both teams chasing a postseason berth, that split of duties could make the Chiefs more dangerous.