Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco toted the rock five times for 12 yards and hauled in both of his targets for 12 more in his team's 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills. Pacheco and backfield mate Kareem Hunt split time pretty evenly for the first four weeks of the former's return from early season fibula surgery. However, Pacheco injured his ribs in Week 17's victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers and has since produced ten carries and 30 yards on 35 snaps over two playoff games, while Hunt has vastly out-snapped and out-produced him as the team's lead back. Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, this appears to be his role, as he's fully recovered from the rib injury he sustained near the season's end. We'll see if that changes in Kansas City's Super Bowl meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he'll be impossible to trust until his volume or production significantly increases.
Jan 27, 2025 3:12 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 17 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown in the 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills. Hunt also caught one pass for six yards in this contest. The 29-year-old was the clear lead back, finishing the game with 12 more carries than Isiah Pacheco. The veteran running back was the dependable between-the-tackles runner that Kansas City needed him to be in this close victory. Kansas City has now advanced to their third straight Super Bowl in search of the NFL's first three-peat. Hunt was not on the team for their first two championships, but he will play an important role in search of their third. The Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who they beat in their 2023 Super Bowl matchup. The Eagles defensive unit was among the best in the league this season, so Hunt will have his work cut out for him in the Super Bowl.
Jan 26, 2025 11:12 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was the second back on the field for Kansas City, but he proved to be the more reliable option down the stretch. Hunt rushed eight times for 44 yards and a touchdown compared to five carries and 18 yards for Isiah Pacheco. Given his steady performance and Pacheco's inconsistencies, it is likely that the Chiefs lean on him again in this week's contest. Kansas City will face off against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Given the high-powered nature of the Bills offense, Kansas City will try to limit the number of opportunities Josh Allen will have to beat them. Hunt will be leaned on the grind out drives and kill the clock this week. If the veteran running back can remain efficient, he should be in for a heavy workload. Consider starting Hunt in DFS and playoff leagues this Sunday.
Jan 25, 2025 4:23 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. The veteran running back also caught one pass for two yards in this contest. Hunt led the backfield with more touches and total yards than Isiah Pacheco. The 29-year-old also averaged 5.5 yards per carry compared to 3.6 for Pacheco. Despite the latter starting the game, Hunt showed that he is the better back right now. Hunt will have the week to prepare for the team's AFC Championship matchup against the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. The Ravens appear to be the tougher run defense of the two, but Hunt should be heavily involved regardless of the matchup.
Jan 19, 2025 3:56 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been the team's leader out of the backfield despite the return of Isiah Pacheco. The veteran running back has earned more opportunities in the last three games he played alongside Pacheco. Hunt was not listed on the injury report this week, while Pacheco appeared to be nursing a rib injury. The 29-year-old running back may be the healthier of the duo, which could impact the way the backfield is split against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense held the Los Angeles Chargers to 12 points in last week's Wild Card matchup. Much of Hunt's value this season has come from finding the endzone, and those opportunities should be available to him in this contest. Hunt should be viewed as the Chiefs lead running back until the team shows otherwise, which makes him a valuable asset in DFS and playoff leagues this week.
Jan 17, 2025 3:59 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (coach's decision) and linebacker Nick Bolton (coach's decision) are officially active for Week 18 against the Denver Broncos. Both players had been listed as doubtful with the Chiefs planning to rest several key starters. Although they are ultimately active for Sunday's contest, they might not play any snaps. According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, head coach Andy Reid kept a few starters, like Bolton and Hunt, active just in case "they are needed in spot duty [because] of altitude, long drives, or heath issues." Barring something unforeseen, neither Hunt nor Bolton will be very involved on Sunday. They should be avoided in fantasy football this week.
Jan 5, 2025 3:18 PM EST
According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos. Running back Kareem Hunt (coaching) is also listed as doubtful for this weekend. Pacheco has been unable to practice all week with a rib injury he suffered during their Week 17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pacheco missed time earlier this season with a fractured fibula but should be expected to operate as the top running back when healthy. While he was sidelined, Kareem Hunt took over the starting role. With the Chiefs already having sole possession of the top seed in the AFC, they will opt to ensure both of their top running backs are fully healthy for the postseason. As a result, fantasy managers should expect rookie Carson Steele to receive a heavy workload in this game alongside Samaje Perine. Steele should be viewed as a viable RB2 option this weekend and a great value play in DFS.
Jan 3, 2025 4:12 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled nine carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hunt found himself with the most carries out of the backfield for another week and got into the endzone despite being inefficient on the ground. The 29-year-old averaged just 2.2 yards per carry in this contest against a formidable defense, but his rushing score saved his fantasy day. Fellow running back Isiah Pacheco split work with Hunt before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a rib injury. Neither back saw any work in the passing game this week, with all the receiving work going to Samaje Perine. The Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC with this Christmas Day win, meaning they have nothing left to play for in the regular season. Hunt and the rest of the starters should be expected to sit out Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.
Dec 26, 2024 4:32 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Hunt has been splitting opportunities with Isiah Pacheco since his return from the injured reserve, but the split has favored Hunt. The veteran running back handled 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 16 against the Texans. Hunt also caught two passes for 24 yards in last week's contest. Despite being the older back, the Chiefs have decided to lean on Hunt instead of Pacheco. Hunt will hope this usage against the Steelers, who rank 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB33 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, placing him outside the RB2 range this week. Fantasy managers will have a tough time trusting Hunt in the fantasy playoffs.
Dec 24, 2024 2:07 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Hunt also caught two passes for 24 yards in the contest. Although he shared the backfield with the younger Isiah Pacheco, Hunt was more productive on the ground and through the air. Hunt averaged 5.0 yards per carry in this game. The 29-year-old will look to continue being the primary back next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is employing a nearly even split between the two backs, and Hunt has been the more valuable of the two. Fantasy managers will still struggle to start Hunt in a committee against a tough matchup.
Dec 22, 2024 6:49 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Houston Texans in Week 16. Hunt was nearly phased out of the Chiefs backfield with Isiah Pacheco returning from injury, but his usage ramped back up in Week 15. The 29-year-old handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, earning the same number of touches as Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how many opportunities Hunt receives this week against the Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week. With the two Chiefs running backs splitting touches in a poor matchup, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust either of them in the fantasy playoffs.
Dec 20, 2024 4:37 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 13 carries for 45 yards and one catch for four yards in the 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. Hunt and Isiah Pacheco handled 14 touches out of the backfield, but Hunt finished with more total yards. After playing a secondary role in Week 14, Hunt was more featured in this week's contest against the Browns. Despite earning more opportunities, fantasy managers will have a tough time starting Hunt next week against the Houston Texans. The Texans rank third in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the toughest matchups. If Hunt and Pacheco continue to split touches in a difficult matchup, it will be tough for either running back to have upside in next week's game. It should also be noted that Patrick Mahomes left this week's contest with an ankle injury and is considered questionable for next week. If Mahomes does not play, the ceiling for the Chiefs offense and offensive playmakers will be lowered. Hunt should be viewed as a deeper flex option.
Dec 16, 2024 4:25 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has fallen off the radar ever since teammate Isiah Pacheco returned to the mix in Week 13. Over his last two games, Hunt has just 12 rushes for 31 yards on the ground, plus three catches for an additional 13 yards through the air. The veteran filled in admirably when Pacheco missed time with a fibula injury earlier in the year, but he's back now and should continue to see his role get bigger while Hunt's gets smaller. Moving forward, the 29-year-old should be viewed as a mid-to-low fantasy RB4. That ranking holds true this week against the Browns, who have allowed the third-fewest catches and receiving yards to opposing running backs in 2024, as well as the ninth-fewest fantasy points.
Dec 15, 2024 8:55 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in Week 14. Hunt handled seven carries for 15 yards and two catches for four yards in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old evenly split the backfield carries with Isiah Pacheco, but the latter was the more explosive option. With another week to get back to game speed, it stands to reason that Pacheco will shift the backfield share more in his direction. Even if the split remains relatively even this week, Hunt will have his work cut out for him against the Chargers. The Chargers rank sixth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the most challenging matchups. Hunt is ranked RB30 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, putting him on the flex radar in a week with six teams on bye. Fantasy managers should try their best not to start Hunt this week.
Dec 7, 2024 11:34 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had seven carries for 15 yards in the 19-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hunt also had two catches for zero yards in the contest. The Chiefs were seconds away from their second loss of the season, but the Raiders fumbled their chance away on a bad snap. The veteran running back ceded work to Isiah Pacheco, who returned from injured reserve in Week 13. The two backs each received seven carries, but Pacheco was the more explosive of the pair. Hunt will try to retain some value next week against the Los Angeles Chargers, who rank fifth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. It will be tough for Hunt to contend with the younger Pacheco, so fantasy managers should prepare for the split to start favoring the latter.
Nov 30, 2024 4:29 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. Hunt was on the injury report this week with a toe injury but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation for this week's game. Hunt had 16 carries for 68 yards and three catches for 19 yards against the Panthers in Week 12. Despite his strong workload, Hunt could not find the endzone for the third straight game. The 29-year-old will now have to deal with the return of Isiah Pacheco in Week 13. Pacheco was the undisputed lead runner out of the backfield before breaking his leg in Week 2. It will be interesting to see how the backfield split shakes out in Pacheco's first game back, but Hunt's value will undoubtedly take a hit against the Raiders this week. The Raiders rank 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, making them an advantageous matchup for Hunt. Hunt is ranked RB25 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, landing him outside of RB2 territory for most leagues. The veteran running back will try to retain his role in the valuable Kansas City backfield, but fantasy managers should prepare if he takes a backseat to Pacheco.
Nov 28, 2024 2:20 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 16 carries for 68 yards in the team's 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. Despite facing one of the easiest matchups for running backs, Hunt managed under 70 rushing yards and zero touchdowns in this contest. This game may have been Hunt's last with zero competition out of the backfield since Isiah Pacheco will likely return in Week 13. Nevertheless, the Chiefs play on Black Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders, who rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt could still be involved out of the backfield if the Chiefs decide to lighten Pacheco's workload in his first game back from a broken leg. Fantasy managers should still find a way to get Hunt into their lineups but temper expectations with Pacheco returning.
Nov 25, 2024 4:05 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. Hunt was on the injury report with a knee injury but practiced fully all week and has no injury designation heading into this week's matchup. Hunt had a poor showing in last week's 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Hunt had 14 carries for 60 yards and no touchdowns in the contest. The 29-year-old will now face the Carolina Panthers, who rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt's role as the lead back will continue for at least one more week, with Isiah Pacheco ruled out for this game. The veteran running back is ranked RB8 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a strong RB1 option. Fantasy managers should be excited to start Hunt this week.
Nov 23, 2024 2:45 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 14 carries for 60 yards in the 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Hunt was held out of the endzone in this contest in the team's first loss this season, leading to a mediocre fantasy performance. Despite being heavily involved in the passing game last week, Hunt did not see a single target in this contest. The Bills defense was viewed as a favorable matchup for running backs going into this game, but Buffalo held Hunt to 4.3 yards per carry. The veteran running back may have seen his last game as the undisputed lead back for the Chiefs as Isiah Pacheco is expected to return to the team in Week 12. It will be interesting to see what the backfield split will look like with Pacheco involved against the Carolina Panthers next week. The Panthers rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so Hunt should be productive with the touches he gets. Fantasy managers should monitor Pacheco's involvement to determine what Hunt's value will be moving forward.
Nov 17, 2024 8:00 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Hunt found himself on the injury report with a knee injury but practiced fully all week and has been removed from the report ahead of the contest. Hunt turned into another strong performance against the Denver Broncos in last week's contest. The veteran running back did not find much success on the ground, only gaining 35 yards on 14 carries, but he found success through the air. The 29-year-old hauled in seven catches for 65 yards against the Broncos. Hunt will have an easier matchup this week against the Buffalo Bills, who rank 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB15 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so start him as a high-end RB2. Fantasy managers will have to deal with the eventual return of Isiah Pacheco, but Hunt will have the backfield to himself for at least another week.
Nov 15, 2024 4:24 PM EST
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