Week 16 vs. Miami Dolphins
Is Kareem Hunt actually back? The rookie balled out last week with 206 total yards (155 rushing, 51 receiving) and 2 touchdowns. He has 100+ rushing games in back-to-back weeks and has also scored in those games. After going through a bit of a struggle, it appears Hunt has found his groove again.
It's a good time for him to find it, too, as he gets a very favorable matchup against the Dolphins in Week 16. Miami has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing backs and the fourth-most receptions to the position as well. Since Hunt is a good receiver out of the backfield, we can probably expect a few catches from him in this one.
There's no reason to doubt Hunt now, and owners should view him as a strong RB1.
Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Is Kareem Hunt back? He had his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 5, and his first touchdown since Week 3. Owners are probably skeptical considering his recent outputs, but he's mostly performed well.
He gets a tough matchup this week against the Chargers, but he had a season-high 172 rushing yards in his previous game against them. Even if Hunt isn't fully back, he's still better than most backs this season and should be viewed as an RB1 this week.
Week 14 vs. Oakland Raiders
Kareem Hunt finished with 63 total yards last week, and was the only major Chiefs player who didn't have a big fantasy day. He's now gone without a touchdown in every game since Week 3 as owners are growing tired of him not producing like before.
He gets a fairly tough matchup this week against Oakland, as the Raiders have allowed the 10th-fewest rushing yards in the league. They've also only allowed a running back to score on the ground four times this season.
Despite his struggles and the matchup, Hunt can be viewed as a strong RB2 in Week 14.
Week 13 at New York Jets
Kareem Hunt's downward spiral hit rock bottom last week with his worst performance of his career. He finished with 26 total yards and still hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 3.
Things don't get any easier this week for Hunt, either, as he gets a tough matchup against the Jets. The Jets have allowed 1 rushing score to a back in four games this season. Hunt should have a much better performance than he did in Week 12 and can be used as a low-end RB1.
Week 12 vs. Buffalo Bills
After opening the season with seven straight games of 100+ scrimmage yards, Kareem Hunt has now gone three games in a row below that mark. He also hasn't scored a touchdown in seven straight games. Hunt owners are a bit upset from this drop in production, but they can likely expect a bounce back this week.
Hunt faces the Bills, who haven't been able to stop a nosebleed in recent weeks. In the last three games, Buffalo has allowed an average of 204 rushing yards and allowed 9 touchdowns to backs on the ground.
If Hunt can't score against this team then there's definitely a problem. He should be viewed as a strong RB1 in Week 12.
Week 11 at New York Giants
Kareem Hunt has been in a slump of sorts lately, with his last game producing a season-low 61 yards. He started the season with seven straight games of 100+ scrimmage yards, but has now been held under 70 yards in two straight games. He also hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 3.
He should be able to bounce back this week, however, in a favorable matchup against the Giants. New York is giving up 132.6 rush yards per game (third-highest) and Hunt is coming off of a bye. We like Hunt a lot this week, and view him as a strong RB1.
Week 9 at Dallas Cowboys
For the first time all season, Kareem Hunt was held under 100 scrimmage yards. He was also held without a touchdown for the fifth game in a row. His poor performance was pretty much expected as the Broncos' rush defense has been incredible all season long. Things get much easier this week in a favorable matchup against the Cowboys.
Dallas has allowed double-digit performances to backs in every game so far this season. The only times they've held opposing rushers to lower numbers are when they face teams with questionable running games. So while Hunt had a bad outing last week (68 yards), he should have a big game against Dallas.
We expect Hunt to be a strong RB1 option this week.
Week 8 vs. Denver Broncos
Week 7 at Oakland Raiders
Kareem Hunt had his worst game of the season on the ground last week, carrying the ball 9 times for just 21 yards (a 2.3 yards-per-carry average). But thankfully he was able to make it up by catching 5 passes for 89 yards. He’s now had at least 100 scrimmage yards in all of his first six starts. The bad news, though, is he hasn’t scored since Week 3.
He gets a solid matchup this week as he’ll face a Raiders defense allowing 117.2 rushing yards per game. Surprisingly, though, Oakland has only given up two scores on the ground to running backs so far.
Hunt has been one of the stars this season, and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t continue to produce. He should be trusted as an RB1 this week.
Week 6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kareem Hunt has had 100 yards from scrimmage in every single game this season, which is historically great for a rookie. He started the year by scoring several touchdowns, but he's cooled off lately with no scores in his last two games.
Hunt's success should continue this week, though, as he gets a favorable matchup against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allowed fellow rookie running back Leonard Fournette to run wild last week, and has now allowed over 200 yards rushing in a game twice this season. Hunt should be trusted as a strong RB1 this week.
