Week 5 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Kareem Hunt is set up to be an elite RB1 for the next month and maybe more. We already know Hunt has a versatile skillset and can excel in both the running and passing games. Now Nick Chubb is out with a sprained MCL, meaning Hunt's workload concerns have vanished. He already got all of the passing work out of the backfield and now will consume a healthy chunk of Chubb's 15-20 weekly carries. Even with a reduced rushing workload, Hunt is still in the top 10 of all running backs in evaded tackles and yards created after contact. All of this sets up for Hunt to smash in fantasy over the next few games and Week 5 against the Colts is no exception. Get Hunt into your lineup as a strong RB1 for as long as Chubb is sidelined.
Week 4 at Dallas Cowboys
Kareem Hunt's production took a hit in Week 3 with the Browns leading most of the game and electing to punish Washington between the tackles with Nick Chubb. Week 4's matchup against the Cowboys sets up much better for Hunt with the Browns being 4.5 point underdogs and having to deal with Dallas's high-scoring offense. Even with Chubb going off two weeks in a row, Hunt still has 26 carries and five targets in the last two weeks, showing that his hybrid role in the Cleveland offense gives him a solid usage floor every week. Hunt could see even more targets on Sunday with Cleveland projected to face a negative game script. Start Hunt as a flex with RB2 upside against Dallas.
Week 3 vs. Washington Football Team
Kareem Hunt turned back the clock to his Kansas City days in Week 2, piling up touches while displaying elite efficiency. Hunt rushed 10 times for 86 yards and added a receiving touchdown while combining with Nick Chubb in a two-manbackfield that proved far too much for the Bengals defense to handle. The sledding will be much tougher this week against a Washington Football Team that has been excellent against the run so far this season. Even so, Hunt's versatile skillset makes him largely immune from game script concerns and his efficiency per touch is too good for the Browns not to feature him in the gameplan. Hunt is startable every week as a RB3 and will always carry potential for much more depending on how the game plays out.
Week 2 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 1 was promising for Kareem Hunt despite the Browns struggling offensively. He played nearly half of the team's offensive snaps and surprisingly received 13 carries to go along with six targets. That kind of workload will make Hunt very useful in fantasy, particularly in games where the Browns are the underdog or trail early. A Week 2 matchup against the Bengals presents a slightly different scenario and game script could favor a heavier workload for Nick Chubb in this one. That being said, Hunt's role gives him a solid floor in PPR leagues and he can be started as a flex once again in Week 2.
Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Kareem Hunt will be an interesting play in Week 1 as the designated pass catching specialist out of the backfield for the Browns. Hunt will always present some risk because of his miniscule rushing workload, but a Week 1 matchup against the Ravens is enticing with the Browns projected to play from behind most of the game. Hunt's hybrid role makes him resistant to game script concerns and there is a real possibility the Browns will have to air it out in this one. Play Hunt as an upside flex who could easily return RB2 numbers if the right circumstances come to fruition during the game.
Fantasy Upside
Kareem Hunt was suspended for the first half of last season but made an instant impact on the Browns’ offense as a change of pace back upon his return in Week 9. Hunt’s hybrid role led to him getting 43 carries and 44 targets over eight games. Hunt used that workload to exhibit the same type of versatility that turned him into a star in Kansas City by netting 5.8 yards per touch, placing him in the top 10 among all running backs. There is no reason to think Hunt’s role will diminish this season, even with a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski. New Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea suggested Hunt was in the competition to assume some duties as Cleveland’s third wide receiver in addition to his work out of the backfield on third downs. Hunt should have standalone value as a flex play due to his efficiency as a runner and pass catcher. If he were to actually add receiver duties to his role or Nick Chubb went down with an injury, Hunt’s fantasy stock would soar to unanticipated heights.
Fantasy Downside
Hunt’s rushing workload will never be consistent working behind Nick Chubb. Hunt only received 43 carries over his eight games last year, so it seems unlikely he will exceed 100 this year even if he plays in all 16 games. This means that Hunt will be somewhat game script dependent. If Cleveland is ahead on the scoreboard, they will likely favor pounding the ball between the tackles with Chubb as opposed to using Hunt in space. Hunt also has red flags off the field. His older issues are well documented, but Hunt was pulled over with marijuana in his car as recently as this offseason. Any further missteps off the field would tank Hunt’s value as he would likely face a lengthy suspension from the league.
2020 Bottom Line
Hunt is one of the most intriguing running backs on the board in the middle rounds. He is the rare “backup” running back who can be started in fantasy even when his team's starter is healthy due to his versatility and unique role in the Cleveland offense. Hunt’s excellence in the passing game means he can be drafted as a flex play in PPR leagues and has upside for much more if he stumbles into a larger role than expected.
Week 17 at Cincinnati Bengals
Kareem Hunt didn't do a whole lot last week, carrying the ball twice for four yards while adding four receptions for 33 yards. It was his worst game of the season, but that's somewhat expected in a difficult matchup. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Bengals, a team he played well against just a few weeks ago with 68 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Hunt should be viewed as a low-end RB2 or a strong flex play this week.
Week 16 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Kareem Hunt continued in his mostly pass-catching role last week, finishing 8-62 (on nine targets) as a receiver. He added 14 yards on four ground attempts. He actually out-snapped Chubb last week, 43-35 (out of 70). He gets a tough matchup this week, though, as he faces a Ravens defense that's allowed the fewest receptions, and third-fewest receiving yards to running backs. Look for Hunt to be limited this week as he should be viewed as nothing more than a flex option in Week 16.
Week 15 at Arizona Cardinals
Kareem Hunt continues to be valuable as Cleveland's secondary backfield option. He ran nine times for 28 yards and a touchdown last week while catching two passes for 40 yards. Hunt has scored in three straight games now, making him a legitimate flex play. He gets a solid matchup against Arizona this week and we actually like him as a solid RB2 option. He's seen at least 60% of the offensive snaps in back-to-back weeks, and he's proving his worth in this offense since returning from suspension.
Week 14 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Kareem Hunt actually out-snapped Nick Chubb last week (by four snaps), but was behind on touches (17 for Chubb to 12 for Hunt). As has been the case since Hunt's arrival, the backup has primarily been used as a receiver, which was the case last week. Hunt ran seven times for 46 yards and finished 5-19-1 as a receiver on five targets. Expect a similar role this week in a favorable matchup against the Bengals. He should be viewed as a low-end flex play in standard and a low-end RB2 in PPR formats.
