Week 5 at Houston Texans
Kareem Hunt doesn't just lead the league in rushing. His second-half rushing yards lead all other running backs this season as well. That's how good he's been. Unfortunately, he didn't score a touchdown last week for the first time in a game this season, but his 100+ scrimmage yards had to please owners.
Hunt has a tough matchup this week as the Texans have held backs to an average of 52 rushing yards over the past three games. They've also allowed the fewest receiving yards to running backs this season.
Despite the bad matchup, Hunt has proven he's in a league of his own. He should be trusted as a strong RB1 option this week.
Week 4 vs. Washington
Kareem Hunt is having a truly remarkable season. There are only six teams in the league with more rushing yards than Hunt has all by himself. And that doesn't even include the additional 137 yards he has as a receiver. He's not just gaining yards, either. He has 6 scores so far this season, an average of two a game.
He does get a difficult matchup this week as Washington has held rushers in check this season. Washington has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game and the seventh-fewest yards per carry.
Despite the tough matchup, it'd be ridiculous to not start Hunt. He's been the best player in the league so far and is an easy must-start RB1 option.
Week 3 at Los Angeles Chargers
Kareem Hunt has had a historic start to this season, scoring 5 touchdowns through the first two games. His Week 2 performance wasn't as incredible as Week 1, but it was still one of the best from the position. He went over 100 yards again and scored twice.
He goes up against a Chargers defense that technically has allowed the fewest points to opposing running backs in 2017, but that's only because no one has scored against them. The Chargers are still giving up 125.5 rushing yards per game, which means Hunt should be just fine.
The Chiefs rusher should continue to be viewed as a strong RB1 play moving forward.
Week 2 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Kareem Hunt exploded last week, showing off his skills as a rusher and a pass-catcher. He had a very balanced game, going for 148 yards on the ground and 98 through the air. He also scored 3 times (1 rush, 2 rec.) and did it all on only 22 touches.
All of that is to say Hunt is the real deal, and fantasy owners who drafted him got themselves an RB1. He faces an Eagles defense that was really tough against the run last week, allowing just 34 yards on 13 carries. But the good news with Hunt is he can be a big factor as a receiver.
Considering his performance last week, it'd be insane to bench Hunt in Week 2. He should be viewed as a strong RB1 this week.
Week 1 vs. New England Patriots
With Spencer Ware out, we get to see what Kareem Hunt can do on a football field. The running back from Toledo was selected in the third round of this year's NFL Draft, and will be thrown into the fire in Week 1. He played well in the preseason, but he was fairly limited in his playing time so it's hard to know for sure how he'll adjust to the NFL level.
What we do know is the opportunity will be there for him to get touches. Chiefs beat writers claim Hunt will be the Chiefs' "regular featured back" meaning he'll get a heavy workload—likely over 15 touches.
Hunt doesn't get a great matchup in Week 1 as the Patriots were pretty tough against backs last season. New England only allowed 100 rushing yards to teams twice in 2016, and only gave up four scores to backs on the ground.
Hunt should be viewed as an RB2 this week.
Fantasy Upside
The Chiefs selected Kareem Hunt in the third round of the draft. He’s coming off a strong season at Toledo, where he was a threat on the ground and in the air, finishing with 262 carries for 1,475 yards and 10 touchdowns and 41 catches for 403 yards. His ability as a receiver out of the backfield is likely what made the Chiefs select him.
Fantasy Downside
Hunt is coming in as the second back on the depth chart, at best. Spencer Ware should easily remain the starter, with Hunt fighting for the backup role with Charcandrick West. There’s no guarantee the rookie even gets the No. 2 spot. With Spare leading the way, it will be difficult to get much playing time aside from third-down situations where the Chiefs may rely on Hunt as a receiver or blocker.
2017 Bottom Line
If Ware struggles and Hunt ends up becoming the starter, then he’ll be a great back. As for now, he’s an interesting rookie with potential. He’s not worth drafting until the later rounds as a project, or as a potential handcuff to Ware. He could carry some value in PPR formats, but he’s certainly not someone you’d expect to put in your lineup Week 1.
