Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (illness) was under the weather this week and missed the first two practices. He returned to a full session on Friday, though, and has been removed from the Week 18 injury report. The Chiefs could opt to rest Isiah Pacheco in the regular-season finale against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, which would put Hunt in line for lead-back duties to close things out. Hunt should only realistically be considered for starting fantasy lineups this weekend if Pacheco is ruled out on Sunday. The 30-year-old has taken on more of a secondary role in the Chiefs' backfield of late, having not seen double-digit carries in any of the last three games. He was the team's preferred option in the backfield for most of the season, though. Hunt has 158 carries for 597 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games, adding 15 receptions for 122 more yards and a TD through the air.
Jan 2, 2026 5:56 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (illness) has yet to practice this week due to an illness after not practicing again on Thursday, according to Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick. Hunt, who has ceded more backfield work to Isiah Pacheco in recent weeks, could be in danger of missing the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders unless he can practice on Friday. Even if Hunt can get cleared to play on Sunday, fantasy managers should consider him a low-upside RB4/flex for starting lineups in an offense that is being run by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun to close out the season. If Hunt is ruled out for Week 18, Pacheco would be a more attractive RB3/flex play for fantasy managers in deeper leagues still trying to win a championship. Hunt hasn't had double-digit carries in the last three games for KC.
Jan 1, 2026 2:35 PM EST
Across 16 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has recorded 719 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 173 touches. While the 30-year-old lacks explosive upside, he remains an effective short-area and goal-line rusher. Hunt's touchdown production has dried up in recent weeks, as he's failed to find the end zone in any of Kansas City's last three games. However, Hunt's playing time spiked in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, as he earned more snaps (24) than fellow Chiefs running backs Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith combined (21). Additionally, the Chiefs will face a significantly easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun under center, Kansas City could have a chance to move the ball against Las Vegas. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams. Hunt could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
Dec 30, 2025 11:37 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been relegated to a reserve role in the offense since Isiah Pacheco has taken over RB1 duties. Hunt handled just three carries for two yards in last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Hunt was also not targeted at all in the passing game. The veteran back was most valuable for his role at the goal-line, but without Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice, and Tyquan Thornton helping to move the sticks, the goal-line opportunities could be scarce. Hunt will also have to contend with the Denver Broncos defense on Christmas in Week 17. The Broncos have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season. Facing one of the toughest defenses in the league with limited opportunities is a recipe for failure. Hunt is ranked QB50 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him nothing more than a desperation flex in the deepest of leagues.
Dec 24, 2025 4:05 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had his worst game of the season in Week 15, where he totaled 20 yards on seven attempts against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hunt was on a hot streak before last week, where he had a touchdown in five of his previous six games. The veteran running back played 49% of the snaps in Week 15, while Isiah Pacheco played 46%, which is his highest mark since injuring his knee in Week 8. While Hunt remains the lead back heading into Week 16, the injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes may deteriorate his fantasy value moving forward. With Mahomes out, the Chiefs will likely struggle to move the ball, which will limit Hunt's goal-line attempts that have propelled his fantasy stock this season. Despite the easy matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Hunt is a risky FLEX at best in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2025 8:38 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt took a backseat to Isiah Pacheco in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and his value should also decrease without Patrick Mahomes leading the offense. Hunt rushed six times for 12 yards and caught one pass for eight yards in Week 15. Hunt handled five fewer carries than Pacheco, but neither back was able to average more than 2.0 yards per carry in the contest. Gardner Minshew is now set to be the starting quarterback for the Chiefs for the rest of the season, which could decrease the number of scoring opportunities in this offense. Since most of his value is tied to finding the endzone, Hunt will be very difficult to trust this week. That said, Hunt will have a softer matchup in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have given up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB33 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him an RB3/Flex option this week. Given his reduced role last week and fewer expected scoring opportunities moving forward, Hunt is a tough player to project.
Dec 19, 2025 4:28 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 12 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. The veteran back once again found the endzone, but was inefficient with his opportunities. Hunt averaged 2.5 yards per carry and failed to bring in his only target of the contest. Hunt has been the unquestioned lead back in the absence of Isiah Pacheco and retained that role in Pacheco's first game back from injury in Week 13, but things shifted last. Hunt had 12 carries for 30 yards, and Pacheco had nine carries for 30 yards (3.3 yards per carry). Pacheco's opportunities ticked up in his second week back from injury, putting Hunt's grip on the backfield in jeopardy. That said, Hunt should remain the back most likely to score a touchdown given the team's trust in him for goal-line chances. Hunt will have to fend off Pacheco for opportunities while taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so it should not be a difficult matchup. Splitting touches with Pacheco in a game with a 40.5 O/U may lead to a lower ceiling for both players. Hunt is ranked RB31 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option for this contest in the fantasy playoffs.
Dec 12, 2025 4:07 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt should once again lead the backfield as the Chiefs face the Houston Texans on Sunday night. Hunt led the way with 14 carries for 58 yards and one catch for 22 yards in the 28-31 loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving. Last week's contest was Isiah Pacheco's first game back from injury, so his workload was light, but Hunt should continue getting the majority of work even with Pacheco healthy. The Chiefs have leaned on Hunt as their most trusted runner, and he will need to prove worthy of the role if Kansas City wants to beat the tough Houston defense. The Texans defense has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, making them one of the toughest matchups at the position. Hunt is ranked RB21 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a viable RB2 option this week.
Dec 6, 2025 4:57 AM EST
Across 12 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has recorded 629 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 144 touches. While the 30-year-old's season-long numbers don't jump off the page, Hunt's work in recent weeks is more notable. He's earned double-digit touches in five straight games and scored five touchdowns in that span. Hunt saw a boost in playing time throughout November due to a knee injury to fellow Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. Still, in Pacheco's first game back in Week 13, Hunt remained the clear lead rusher and out-touched Pacheco 15 to five. Even if Kansas City works towards a more even split between the two backs as Pacheco gets healthier, Hunt has proven to be the team's trusted option at the goal-line. Hunt has earned 34 red zone snaps so far this season, compared to just 15 for Pacheco. Hunt profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2 heading into Kansas City's Week 14 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Dec 5, 2025 10:21 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will have to share the backfield with Isiah Pacheco as he returns from his knee injury to face the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13. Hunt feasted without Pacheco out of the lineup, handling 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Hunt also caught three passes for 26 yards in Week 12. The veteran back was asked to do it all, and he found a ton of success, but it appears his ceiling will be lowered with Pacheco entering the fold. That said, Hunt could still be the lead back on Thanksgiving if the Chiefs decide to ease Pacheco back into action. Hunt has been the team's preferred goal-line and third-down back this season, even with Pachecho healthy, so fantasy managers should expect that role to continue. Hunt will try to continue his run of success this week against the Cowboys, who have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The addition of DT Quinnen Williams to the Dallas defense should make it a bit more difficult to rush, but Hunt's involvement in the passing game could help offset that. Hunt is ranked RB32 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him an RB3/Flex option against the Cowboys in Week 13.
Nov 26, 2025 4:40 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was an absolute workhorse in Week 12, recording 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 26 yards in his team's overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Isiah Pacheco (knee) sidelined by a knee injury, the Chiefs have leaned on Hunt as their feature back in recent weeks. Pacheco has a chance to return for Kansas City's Week 13 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. However, even when Pacheco returns, Hunt could maintain his status as the lead back in Kansas City. While Hunt hasn't been particularly efficient this season (3.9 yards per carry), he's been a reliable goal-line presence (seven rushing touchdowns). In any fantasy league where Hunt remains available on the waiver wire, he should be a priority target for fantasy managers heading into Week 13.
Nov 24, 2025 10:08 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 33 carries for 104 rushing yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 26 receiving yards. The veteran running back hadn't handled more than 13 carries or 14 touches in a single game this season, so it was a bit surprising to see him finish with more than double both of those totals. The increased volume led to inflated counting stats, so while his 3.5 yards per carry aren't very intriguing, he still racked up enough yardage to produce as a top-12 running back in fantasy football this week. Isiah Pacheco (knee) could return next week and complicate the backfield dynamic, but Hunt should still be able to carve out a role for himself with standalone value as an RB3/flex.
Nov 23, 2025 7:54 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will earn another start after Isiah Pacheco (knee) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pacheco is on track to miss his third consecutive game. In each of his two previous absences, Hunt took over as the primary running back, logging at least a 79% snap share on both occasions. He's averaging 12 carries, 54 rushing yards, one reception, 4.5 receiving yards, and one touchdown in games he's started with Pacheco sidelined. The veteran running back should handle around 10-15 touches once again this Sunday against the Colts. Indianapolis has been effective against the run, allowing the seventh-fewest rushing yards and 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Despite the tougher matchup, Hunt's role and volume have vaulted him up to the RB25 spot in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings.
Nov 23, 2025 9:13 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Hunt handled 13 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, along with one catch for three yards. His 59 rushing yards were a season-high, and his 13 carries tied his season-high. With Isiah Pacheco out in Week 11, Hunt was the only back to get any rushing work. Rookie Brashard Smith was relatively uninvolved in the contest, only catching two passes for eight yards. With Pacheco ruled out again for Week 12, Hunt should dominate touches against Indianapolis. The Colts defense has been an average matchup for fantasy running backs this season, but the scoring potential makes Hunt an interesting play. The Colts offense is the highest-scoring in the league, and this game has a nearly 50-point projected total, meaning that Hunt could visit the end zone once or twice. Hunt should be viewed as a viable RB2 with upside in Week 12.
Nov 21, 2025 2:59 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown for the third consecutive game in his team's 22-19 Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos. The 30-year-old finished the game with 13 carries for 59 yards and one score. With Isiah Pacheco (knee) sidelined by a knee injury, Hunt has taken over as Kansas City's lead rusher in the team's last two games. While he's not an explosive player at this point in his career, Hunt has six rushing touchdowns on the season and has proven to be an effective goal-line rusher. Pacheco could return in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, which would cause Hunt to lose a few touches. However, Hunt seems likely to retain his goal-line role even when Pacheco gets back on the field. In leagues where Hunt remains available, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a touchdown-dependent flex option for fantasy managers.
Nov 17, 2025 10:50 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 11. Hunt is set to handle the lion's share of the carries out of the backfield with Isiah Pacheco ruled out for Sunday's matchup. Hunt had been splitting the work with Pacheco for much of the season, but Pacheco had begun earning a larger role before going down with a knee injury. Now Hunt will assume a larger workload after being successful in his opportunities at the goal-line and in short-yardage situations. Despite playing in all nine games for the Chiefs this season, Hunt's 294 rushing yards rank 43rd among rushers this season. That low yardage total could be concerning if he didn't score so much, but Hunt ranks 11th in rushing touchdowns with five this year. The veteran back has a great chance to find the endzone every week, but he will have to contend with the stout Denver defense this week. The Broncos defense has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Given his low yardage totals, starting Hunt this week would be betting on him to score a touchdown against one of the best defenses in the league. Hunt is ranked RB33 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him at the backend of RB3 range this week.
Nov 15, 2025 4:23 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had a solid Week 9 with 11 carries for 49 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Bills. He picked up more work with Isiah Pacheco (knee) on the sidelines, but it is possible that Pacheco will return in Week 11 against the Broncos. Hunt has six touchdowns on the season and four scores in the last five weeks. The Broncos have been a tough matchup for running backs this season, but Hunt has touchdown-dependent upside if you are looking for running back help or are desperate for a flex play this week.
Nov 11, 2025 9:39 AM EST
With backfield mate Isiah Pacheco (knee) inactive for Week 9's 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt led the team's ground game. The veteran tied a season-high with 49 rushing yards on 11 totes, adding six yards on 1-of-2 receiving. Hunt punched in another short touchdown in this one, giving him three across his last two appearances and six on the season as a whole. While his efficiency hasn't been off the charts, the Toledo product has rushed for at least 4.4 yards per clip in four of his previous five games. Furthermore, he's the most likely option on his team aside from quarterback Patrick Mahomes to find pay dirt on the ground. Pacheco is expected to return following Kansas City's Week 10 bye. However, Hunt projects to lead the backfield again if he doesn't. It will be a situation to keep tabs on over the coming week.
Nov 3, 2025 11:15 AM EST
The Kansas City Chiefs intend to split carries between running backs Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Kansas City will be without Isiah Pacheco (knee) this week, and it looks as if the team will employ a committee approach in his absence. Hunt has had consistent touchdown potential for the Chiefs, scoring four times in the past six games, but he has yet to play to half the team's snaps in a game this season. Smith had a nice game in the Week 7 blowout of Las Vegas, catching five passes for 42 yards to go with 39 yards rushing, but hasn't been super involved week to week. A split isn't ideal for managers, but both backs still could be viable in lineups this week.
Nov 2, 2025 1:32 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Buffalo Bills in week 9. Hunt was on the injury report with an ankle injury, but practiced fully all week and has been removed from the report. Hunt is now in line to be the lead back, with Isiah Pacheco ruled out due to a knee injury. The veteran back has been relatively effective in his last two games, averaging at least 4.4 yards per carry, but he's still only averaging 4.0 yards per carry on the season. Despite his lack of explosiveness, the Chiefs have turned to Hunt near the goal line, and he has converted on four rushing touchdowns. Hunt should continue to get those valuable touches while adding volume between the 20s against the Bills, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. There should be plenty og points scored in a game with a nearly 53-point total, so Hunt's upside is apparent. Hunt is ranked RB20 in our RofoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a startable RB2 this week.
Nov 1, 2025 4:36 AM EST
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