Week 16 at New York Jets
Kareem Hunt is a difficult fantasy projection of late. He has only received 13 carries over the last two weeks but continues to see targets in the passing game and even some goal lines touches over bruiser teammate Nick Chubb. There should be plenty of volume for both Chubb and Hunt this week with the Browns being favored by a full touchdown on the road against the pathetic Jets. Hunt's fantasy viability depends on him being efficient with his touches, something he should be able to do this week given the matchup. Hunt projects as a solid RB3 with upside in Week 16, especially in PPR formats.
Week 15 at New York Giants
Kareem Hunt has struggled running the ball since Nick Chubb returned from injury, but he continues to maintain fantasy relevance due to red zone and passing-game usage. Hunt saw seven targets in Week 14 against Baltimore, including one that went for a touchdown catch, and converted a short-yardage carry into a score. Hunt and the Browns get the Giants in Week 15, a defense that ranks near the league average in allowing production to opposing running backs. As long as the Browns continue to give Hunt some looks at the goal line and in the passing game, he will have enough upside to start as a flex even as he takes a backseat to Chubb in overall touches.
Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Kareem Hunt's fantasy utility has taken a hit since Nick Chubb returned to the lineup in Week 10. Hunt continues to take a backseat to Chubb in the run game and his passing game usage has diminished as the season has progressed. Hunt only has seven catches in the four games since Chubb's return and has scored one total touchdown in that time. The RB2 upside Hunt had earlier in the season appears all but gone, and he has settled into the RB3 range unless he manages to punch in a touchdown. Doing so will not be easy in Week 14 as the Browns will face the tough Ravens defense, although they are harder on opposing passing games than rushing attacks. Hunt is still worth consideration as an RB3, but his ceiling isn't exciting given his recent usage and performance.
Week 13 at Tennessee Titans
Kareem Hunt was supposed to assume the passing game role out of the Cleveland backfield in 2020, but he has done more as a runner than receiver to this point. Hunt has yet to clear 30 yards receiving in a single game this season and his season-high in receptions is four way back in Week 1. He continues to show efficiency as a runner and has been getting some goal-line looks, so he still has fantasy relevance in the run-heavy Cleveland scheme. The Titans present a middling matchup for running backs, so Hunt can be started as an RB3 in Week 13 with the hope there's enough production go around for both he and Nick Chubb.
Week 12 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Kareem Hunt continues to operate as a heavily used change-of-pace option on a Cleveland team that loves to run the ball, meaning he sees more than enough looks to be a weekly starter in fantasy. Hunt also has been receiving the majority of the Browns' carries near the goal line, meaning he brings substantial touchdown upside every week. The Jaguars struggle to stop the run and enter this game as 6-point home underdogs, meaning Cleveland should be running the ball enough for both Hunt and Nick Chubb to have good statistical showings in Week 12. Start Hunt as an RB2 in light of the soft matchup and projected game script.
Week 11 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Even with Nick Chubb returning in Week 10, Kareem Hunt still received 22 touches in a weather-affected game. Hunt's workload will likely take a small hit as Chubb is reintegrated into the offense, but Hunt's efficiency makes him startable in fantasy even with a change-of-pace role. Hunt will retain the passing game role, which gives him a healthy floor in PPR leagues. The Philadelphia defense is tough on the ground, meaning Hunt could benefit from additional passing volume if the Browns struggle to run the ball. Even with Chubb back in the lineup, Hunt is a strong flex play in Week 11.
Week 10 vs. Houston Texans
Kareem Hunt has not exploded in Nick Chubb's absence as some expected, but he was a solid RB1 during those weeks based on his usage. It looks like Nick Chubb should be back for Week 10, so now Hunt will return to his change-of-pace and pass-catching role behind Chubb. As you might remember, Hunt was still productive for fantasy purposes in that role. In fact, he was more productive than he has been in the last few weeks. The timeshare with Chubb appears to cost Hunt some volume while boosting his efficiency and touchdown upside. Even with Chubb returning, Hunt looks like a decent RB2 or flex play this week.
Week 8 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Kareem Hunt registered 21 touches in Week 7 and turned those touches into 102 total yards and a receiving touchdown. Hunt has garnered a bellcow workload in the absence of Nick Chubb, and his cramping issues late in games show that he probably has left fantasy production on the field despite him producing solid numbers. Hunt is set up nicely this week with a home matchup against a Raiders defense ranked near the bottom of our schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed metric to running backs. Given the desolate landscape at running back this week, Hunt should be considered a strong RB1 for Week 8 and started with confidence in all leagues.
Week 7 at Cincinnati Bengals
Kareem Hunt put up a dud last week in a matchup with the vaunted Steelers run defense. This week he gets a Bengals defense that he and Nick Chubb shredded for 6.6 YPC in Week 2. With Chubb sidelined, Hunt should be a strong bet for 20+ touches against Cincinnati. Hunt's passing game usage means his role is secure even if Cleveland somehow falls behind early. The Cleveland running game remains the focal point of the offense, and given all the bye weeks and injuries at the running back position, Hunt remains a rock-solid RB1 for Week 7.
Week 6 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Kareem Hunt's first stint as Cleveland's lead back went well as he exhibited the type of versatility that makes him a valuable fantasy asset. His rushing workload increased significantly; Hunt received 20 carries in Week 5 to go along with four targets. He turned that workload into 93 total yards and a receiving touchdown. Hunt's production could have been even better but he missed a chunk of snaps in the fourth quarter due to cramps. It should also be noted that Hunt was facing off with the Colts, one of the best run defenses in the league. Hunt gets another tough matchup in Week 6 against Pittsburgh, but he looks like a great bet for 20+ touches in every game that Nick Chubb misses due to injury. Hunt's involvement in the passing game makes him immune to game script concerns and softens tough matchups like the one he has in Week 6. Start Hunt again as a RB1 against the Steelers.
