Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Royce Freeman

Tuesday, January 30, 8:42 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (hernia) recently had sports-hernia surgery to fix a ruptured adductor, according to sources. Hunt played in 15 games in his fifth year with the Browns in 2023, but he was listed on the injury report often with a groin injury and averaged a career-low 3.0 yards per carry on 135 attempts for 411 rushing yards and a career-high nine rushing TDs in the regular season. He added a career-low 15 receptions for 84 yards through the air. The 28-year-old's lower numbers now make more sense, but he still had plenty of fantasy appeal as a flex play because of his red-zone usage and nose for the end zone. Hunt could be more effective with better health in 2024, but he's also scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. His fantasy appeal will depend on where he lands, and there's a good chance it won't be in Cleveland.

Sunday, January 7, 4:36 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman has an opportunity to lead the backfield with Kyren Williams being rested. Freeman was given an increased role when Williams went on injured reserve earlier this season and impressed. The 27-year-old has carried the ball 73 times for 317 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this season. He beat out Darrell Henderson Jr. and has proven to be the best pure runner when Williams is out. Facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, consider Freeman as a cheap DFS dart throw and RB4 in fantasy leagues.