The Kansas City Chiefs boast one of the most potent offensive backfields in modern NFL history, and the identity of the starting running backs is a cornerstone of their championship pedigree. Understanding the current roster, the historical context, and the strategic nuances of how these players are utilized provides a clearer picture of why the Chiefs remain a perennial Super Bowl contender. The dynamic interplay between power and agility defines their ground game.
Current Leadership: Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire
As of the latest season, the primary duo carrying the load for the Chiefs is Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Pacheco, a bruising North Dakota native, serves as the featured back, renowned for his punishing running style and exceptional vision inside the tackles. He is the engine that drives the short-to-intermediate game, consistently grinding out tough yards after contact and providing the necessary balance to a passing offense.
Edwards-Helaire, a dynamic playmaker acquired via trade, complements Pacheco’s style perfectly. He is the home run threat, capable of turning a simple zone read into a game-sealing touchdown with a single burst of acceleration. His ability to stretch the field vertically forces defenses to respect the run from the outset, creating the same perimeter opportunities that define Patrick Mahomes’ explosive passing attack.
Scheme and Special Teams Roles
The Chiefs’ offensive scheme under coordinator Matt Nagy is designed to maximize the versatility of its running backs. Pacheco is often aligned in the A-back position, directly behind the center, to lead the edge and handle the initial flow of the play. Edwards-Helaire frequently lines up in the slot or as a wide receiver, leveraging his elusiveness in space. This positional fluidity means both players see action on every down, sharing carries based on the defensive front and the down-and-distance situation.
Beyond their primary offensive duties, both players are integral components of the special teams unit. Pacheco’s reliability as a gunner on kickoffs and his sure tackling on punts make him a valuable asset in those phases of the game. Edwards-Helaire’s speed also translates well to coverage units, allowing head coach Andy Reid to maintain a high level of talent on all aspects of the game, a critical detail in a league where field position can be decisive.
Historical Context: From Kareem Hunt to the Present
The lineage of Chiefs running backs provides a rich context for the current duo. The 2018 season, highlighted by Kareem Hunt’s dominant, if brief, campaign, showcased the impact a premier runner can have on a high-powered offense. Hunt’s physicality and ability to explode through a gap set the standard for the position, a benchmark that Pacheco has since met and, in some views, exceeded through consistent excellence over a full season.
Following Hunt’s departure, the Chiefs entered a transitional phase that tested their depth chart. Performances from players like Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco in 2022 solidified the current hierarchy. The organization’s commitment to a committee approach, while ensuring workload management for its stars, has also provided a sustainable model that reduces injury risk and keeps the offense unpredictable from week to week.
Impact on Team Success and Future Outlook
The stability provided by a clear starting running back tandem is a significant factor in the Chiefs’ sustained excellence. A powerful, physical runner like Pacheco balances the offense, allowing Mahomes to operate from a position of strength rather than necessity. This balance is evident in the team’s red-zone efficiency and its ability to control the clock, both of which are vital in close divisional matchups against rivals like the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers.
