Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Michael Carter

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.

Friday, December 26, 11:46 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter has seen double-digit carries in back-to-back games for the first time this season. The 26-year-old finds himself as the Cardinals' RB1 after the team has lost fellow backs James Conner (foot), Trey Benson (knee), and Bam Knight (ankle) to season-ending injuries. Carter enters Week 17 as RotoBaller's 23rd-ranked running back in Half-PRR formats with a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has struggled to stop running backs on the ground and in the air this year. They have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs and have given up 25.9 fantasy points per game this season, according to Pro-Football-Reference. Carter is an RB2 with upside that can be fired up as a flex option in fantasy championships in Week 17.