"Have the refs on their side so they're good": NFL fans react to Isiah Pacheco being ruled out for Chiefs vs Bills showdown

The Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Buffalo Bills without running back Isiah Pacheco. The defending AFC champions will take on a difficult challenge amid a three-game winning streak, but Pacheco's absence could complicate everything for Kansas City.

Coach Andy Reid shared on Friday that Pacheco (knee) won't be available for Sunday's game, meaning Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith and even Elijah Mitchell will have increased roles against the Bills.

Fans reacted to the update on social media, with some saying the referees would benefit the Chiefs and wondering if the team is hiding something about Pacheco's injury severity.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

"They have the refs on their side so they are good," one fan said. "It’s okay the referees play for the chiefs so they will win," another fan said. "That knee injury more serious than we know? I thought he blew his knee out tbh," another fan said.

Others hyped up Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith and predicted they would step up with Pacheco out.

"dang it it’s all hunt and smith now we will be ok," one fan said. "The Brashard Smith game," another fan said. "kareem hunt 200 yard game against this defense don’t worry chiefs fans," another fan said.

Isiah Pacheco hasn't posted spectacular numbers in the 2025 season, but he remains a reliable back for the Chiefs. In eight games, he has recorded 329 yards on 78 carries (leads the team in both categories), scoring one touchdown rushing.

Kansas City has dealt with injuries and suspensions this campaign, and its "next man up" approach will be tested against the Bills.

Andy Reid is confident that Elijah Mitchell can help the Chiefs during Isiah Pacheco's absence

Besides Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs have Elijah Mitchell in the running back room to replace Isiah Pacheco. Andy Reid is confident that Mitchell can help the team.

“First of all, he had a severe injury at one point that a lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from this thing,” Reid said of Mitchell, via PFT. “And he battled back and you could see him just get better every week during camp and then progressing through to now — takes a lot of the reps with the scout-team group. I would tell you that we all have confidence in his play ability for sure, yeah.”

The Chiefs have struggled to beat the Bills in the regular season.

Edited by Orlando Silva