Kansas City’s backfield is shaping up as a multi-headed committee for 2025. Isiah Pacheco opened as the lead, but a fracture and coaching shifts push the Chiefs toward a committee vibe with Elijah Mitchell in the mix. Brashard Smith is highlighted for pass-catching upside and possible eventual ground-game workload, while Kareem Hunt’s 2024 stumble casts doubt on any big rebound. DK-style depth charts aside, Smith carries the best dynasty and late-redraft appeal, with Mitchell providing veteran depth and Rice growing into a potential midseason target.

The NFL fantasy football landscape is buzzing with potential sleepers as the season approaches, with each of the 32 teams featuring players who could greatly outperform their Average Draft Position (ADP). Highlights include Trey Benson of the Arizona Cardinals, who, having turned 22, is now poised for more playing time despite a quiet rookie season. In Atlanta, Tyler Allgeier stands out as a formidable backup who could thrive should starter Bijan Robinson face injuries. The Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely presents significant upside if Mark Andrews misses time due to injury, while Buffalo's Joshua Palmer aims to provide valuable targets from Josh Allen.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears' Colston Loveland and Cincinnati Bengals' Tahj Brooks are intriguing late-round options. Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns could become a key asset for zero-RB managers needing a starter early in the season. Dallas Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue adds 4.38 speed to a crowded backfield, while the Denver Broncos' J.K. Dobbins remains a solid option amidst competition. Not to be overlooked, the Detroit Lions' Jameson Williams could take a leap forward, and the Green Bay Packers' Matthew Golden has potential as a first-round pick. With so many under-the-radar players to consider, owners must keep a close eye on training camp developments.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to revamp their running game, which struggled to rank 26th in yards per game last season. The addition of Elijah Mitchell is expected to inject speed and explosiveness into an otherwise stagnant rushing attack, previously reliant on Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. Coming off an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, Mitchell's performance in offseason activities has been promising. With his integration into the lineup, the Chiefs aim to reinvigorate their ground game in the upcoming season.

As NFL training camps ramp up, fantasy football draft strategies are being heavily influenced by positional battles. Among the most notable is the running back competition for the Dallas Cowboys, where Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders vie for the RB1 role. Both have had underwhelming previous seasons, raising questions about their reliability. While Williams has potential, the fear of a split workload could hinder fantasy value. In Denver, rookie RJ Harvey is competing with injury-prone JK Dobbins for prime carrying duties, while Jacksonville's Travis Etienne looks to establish himself after a disappointing season.

In Kansas City, Isiah Pacheco remains the starter, but the battle for backup between Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Brashard Smith is crucial for fantasy depth. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers' Najee Harris is recovering from an injury, allowing rookie Omarion Hampton a chance to shine. For the New England Patriots, the race between Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson emphasizes the need for ball security. Each of these competitions will significantly impact fantasy drafts as sleeper picks emerge from training camp performances.

Elijah Mitchell has had a career marred by injuries, impacting his availability and performance on the field. He has faced numerous setbacks including shoulder, finger, concussion, knee, MCL, groin, and hamstring injuries, which have significantly limited his playing time. These repeated injuries raise concerns about his durability moving forward and the potential impact on his future in the league.