Perine Power: Is the Chiefs’ New RB a Must-Add in Your Fantasy Football League?

Perine Power: Is the Chiefs’ New RB a Must-Add in Your Fantasy Football League?

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off another Super Bowl victory, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII and are looking to continue their dominance in the 2025 season. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs’ offense is always a focal point for fantasy football enthusiasts. The running back position, however, has been a revolving door of talent, leaving many fantasy managers guessing who the primary ball carrier will be. After a busy free agency period, the Chiefs have added veteran running back Samaje Perine to the roster. But does “Perine Power” translate to fantasy football relevance?

The Chiefs’ Backfield Landscape

To understand Perine’s potential fantasy impact, it’s crucial to analyze the current state of the Chiefs’ running back room. Isiah Pacheco is currently the lead back. The Chiefs also resigned Kareem Hunt.

  • Isiah Pacheco: Pacheco has emerged as a reliable option, showcasing his power and determination. In 2024, Pacheco rushed for 310 yards and one touchdown. Pacheco’s hard-nosed running style makes him valuable in short-yardage situations, but his limited receiving upside caps his overall fantasy ceiling.

  • Kareem Hunt: Hunt’s arrival adds another layer of complexity to the Chiefs’ backfield. Hunt is a versatile back with experience as a lead runner and a capable pass-catcher. In 2024, Hunt rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns.

Samaje Perine: A Change-of-Pace Back with Upside

Samaje Perine signed with the Chiefs in the 2025 offseason, bringing a different skill set to the team’s running back corps. Perine has primarily served as a backup and change-of-pace back throughout his career, but he has proven to be a reliable contributor when given opportunities.

  • Pass-Catching Prowess: Perine’s biggest asset is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He has soft hands and runs routes effectively, making him a valuable target for Patrick Mahomes on third downs and in the red zone. This receiving ability gives Perine a significant advantage in PPR (points per reception) fantasy leagues.

  • Proven Production: While Perine has never been a workhorse back, he has demonstrated his ability to produce when called upon. In Cincinnati, he displayed flashes of explosiveness and reliability as a receiver.

  • Red Zone Threat: Perine’s size and strength make him a potential weapon in the red zone. He has a nose for the end zone and could vulture touchdowns from Pacheco and Hunt, further enhancing his fantasy value.

Fantasy Football Outlook: Is Perine a Must-Add?

Given the composition of the Chiefs’ backfield, here’s a breakdown of Perine’s fantasy football potential:

  • PPR Leagues: In PPR formats, Perine holds the most value. His pass-catching ability gives him a consistent floor, as he is likely to see targets even in games where the Chiefs are running the ball effectively. He could be a valuable flex option or a bye-week filler in deeper leagues.

  • Standard Leagues: In standard leagues, Perine’s value is more touchdown-dependent. While he could steal some goal-line carries, his overall workload may be limited, making him a less attractive option unless he emerges as the clear-cut No. 2 back.

  • Dynasty Leagues: Perine could be a worthwhile stash in dynasty leagues, particularly for teams looking for immediate depth at running back. While he may not be a long-term solution, he could provide valuable production in the short term.

Factors to Consider

  • Offensive Scheme: The Chiefs’ offensive scheme, orchestrated by Andy Reid, is known for its creativity and ability to utilize multiple running backs. This could benefit Perine, as Reid may find ways to get him involved in various packages and situations.

  • Injury History: Staying healthy is crucial for any running back, and Perine is no exception. If either Pacheco or Hunt were to miss time due to injury, Perine’s workload would increase significantly, making him a potential league-winner.

  • Training Camp Battles: The pecking order in the Chiefs’ backfield could shift during training camp and the preseason. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely to see how the carries and targets are distributed.

The Verdict

Samaje Perine is not necessarily a “must-add” in all fantasy football leagues, but he certainly warrants consideration, especially in PPR formats. His pass-catching ability, combined with the Chiefs’ potent offense, gives him the potential to be a valuable contributor. Keep a close eye on his usage during training camp and the early part of the season to determine his true fantasy value.

Chiefs’ Offensive Weapons

The Chiefs’ offense is loaded with talent beyond the running back position. Here’s a quick look at some of the other key players:

  • Patrick Mahomes (QB): Mahomes is an elite fantasy quarterback, capable of putting up huge numbers every week. He is a must-start in all leagues.

  • Travis Kelce (TE): Kelce remains one of the top tight ends in fantasy football, despite his advancing age. He is Mahomes’ favorite target and a reliable source of touchdowns.

  • Xavier Worthy (WR): Worthy is a speedster with big-play potential. He could emerge as a valuable fantasy receiver if he can establish himself as a consistent target in the Chiefs’ offense.

  • Hollywood Brown (WR): Brown signed with the Chiefs in the offseason, adding another weapon to Mahomes’ arsenal. He is a proven deep threat and could be a boom-or-bust fantasy option.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to be an offensive juggernaut once again in 2025, and Samaje Perine could be a valuable piece of the puzzle for both the team and fantasy football managers. Keep an eye on “Perine Power” as the season approaches.