Biggest Kansas City Chiefs Player to Root For in 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs face a high-stakes 2025 season aiming to reaffirm their status as the AFC's top team and prove their championship window remains open. Following a 15-2 season and a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance that ended disappointingly, the team relies on both returning players and new contributors.

While quarterback Patrick Mahomes' performance is not a concern and tight end Travis Kelce's legacy is secure regardless of his season's outcome, running back Isiah Pacheco is highlighted as a key player to watch. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Pacheco's fourth season is crucial. NFL.com's Dan Parr identifies Pacheco as the Chiefs player to root for, expressing a desire to see him return to his pre-injury form. Parr notes Pacheco's aggressive running style in his first two years was diminished after he suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 of last season, causing him to miss nine games. Upon his late November return, his production dropped significantly to 3.7 yards per carry, down a full yard from his previous average.

Pacheco has reportedly bulked up during the offseason in an effort to bounce back, with coach Andy Reid praising his condition. The hope is that Pacheco can recapture his dynamic form in this pivotal contract year. If healthy, he is expected to handle the majority of the carries in the ground game. Chiefs fans are encouraged to support Pacheco, whose future with Kansas City is on the line.