Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or David Montgomery

Wednesday, December 24, 4:05 PM

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.

Thursday, December 25, 3:30 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (illness) will be active for Thursday's road bout with the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day, per the team. The veteran appeared on Detroit's practice report on Tuesday, missing the session due to illness. After logging a limited practice on Wednesday, it would seem Montgomery will be able to play anyway, and figures to assume his typical allotment of snaps behind teammate Jahmyr Gibbs as the Lions attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive. Notably, the seventh-year pro has seen his snap count steadily dwindle since Week 11, dropping under 20 plays in each of his last three appearances, compared with just once over the season's first 13 weeks. Correlatively, he'll offer little more than flex appeal with Gibbs dominating time and touches in the backfield.