We’re approaching the 2025 season. Every year, a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will end up being this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2025 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully, these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
Few teams had as big a hole in the backfield as the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. The team finished 15-2, but the run game—or lack thereof—was an issue. This off-season, the team brought back its two main rushers from last season. But the team also took a swing on Elijah Mitchell, signing him to a one-year deal.
Mitchell has shown flashes of success before. As a rookie, he led the 49ers’ backfield. But injuries and the presence of Christian McCaffrey have limited his potential and upside in recent years. Still, he’s an intriguing addition to a team in need of rushing help. Can he have a career resurgence in Kansas City? Let’s dive in.
The Case for Elijah Mitchell
Mitchell was a little heralded sixth-round draft pick in 2021. And yet, when he got a chance, he rose to the top for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. He started ten games that season, rushing for 963 yards and five touchdowns. He ended up being a boon for the playoff-bound 49ers and for fantasy players. When given a chance, he managed to soar. Since that time, those holding him in fantasy have waited for another opportunity for touches.
The Chiefs’ backfield could be that opportunity. In 2024, Isiah Pacheco started the year in the lead role. He wasn’t great, and then a broken leg caused him to miss a bulk of the season. Even when he returned, production wasn’t great. It could have been rust or that he was still recovering, but it lingered into the playoffs. It leaves questions heading into 2025, when Pacheco—a Seventh-Round pick—is in a contract year. The leader in the backfield was Kareem Hunt, who rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. Hunt was the best of the backs for the Chiefs, and he’s back in 2025, but he’s past his prime. That leaves a prime opening for the best producing back in camp and pre-season to take hold of meaningful touches in the backfield.
The Case Against Elijah Mitchell
The first knock against Mitchell is likely why the 49ers didn’t work to retain him, and why they traded for McCaffrey during his second season. Mitchell can’t stay healthy. He started ten games as a rookie, but only appeared in ten. He only appeared in five games in his second season. In 2023, he didn’t get many opportunities with McCaffrey leading the league in rushing. Still, Mitchell appeared in only 11 games. Prior to last season, he suffered an injury that ended his year. So, he’s only played in 27 games in four seasons. And he’s only rushed for 560 yards on 120 carries since that rookie season. It’s no sure bet he’d be productive—or stay healthy—even if he got the chance.
The other concern is the competition. Hunt wasn’t efficient, but he knows the system and works well in the offense. Hunt is likely a hedge as they feel out Pacheco and see what Mitchell brings. But Pacheco likely enters camp as the starter. His 2024 production after injury is concerning, but it could be a result of returning from a broken leg. Pacheco produced 1,765 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons, averaging more than 4.5 yards per carry. If he returns to form, he should retain the job.
The Bottom Line
We’re in a season of big swings, especially if they come at a low cost. In 2022, Mitchell was a hot commodity. In 2025, he’s an afterthought. Many have even speculated he’s no lock to make the Chiefs’ roster. That’s baked into a current ADP of RB80. But Pacheco’s poor closing stretch and playoff performance, combined with a contract year, piques my interest. I’ve also wondered how Mitchell would do if given another chance to lead a backfield, even one away from the run-friendly scheme offered by Shanahan. For a low price, he’s worth a stash heading into the season on the chance he can seize a meaningful role in a good offense.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
