Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been a great option for fantasy managers who were lucky enough to get him after the injury to team lead RB Isiah Pacheco (fibula). He's been a nice fill-in. But it's almost time for Pacheco to return to the field, putting Hunt's fantasy value in serious question.
He's handled the vast majority of the team's backfield work since Week 3, but that won't remain for long. At best, a significant portion of his workload is about to be usurped.
But should you drop Hunt in fantasy football leagues?
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Should I Drop Kareem Hunt in Fantasy Football?
No. Not yet, at least. Until there's confirmation that Pacheco will return, Hunt should remain on rosters. He's also a nice handcuff to have for Pacheco managers. However, once the No. 1 guy returns, Hunt is probably not worth starting. He wasn't even on an active roster before KC signed him as an emergency starter.
All those fantasy geniuses that picked up Kareem Hunt off the waiver wire heap get one more week to lord it over their competition as Pacheco will not be activated for this weeks juicy matchup against the Panthers
— PlayerProfiler NFL (@Profiler_NFL) November 24, 2024
It's likely that this backfield turns into a committee when both its lead backs are healthy. That will make both tough to start in Week 13 unless one starts getting more passing game work. It will be hard to predict who gets the goal-line opportunities in the team's next contest.
It's possible that Hunt could start another game. We still don't know when Pacheco will return, but he practiced in full today, so it's likely that it will be soon. If he's declared as active before the game and you don't have him on your fantasy roster, it's probably fine to drop Hunt.
Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu were full participants at Chiefs practice today! 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/mdMmGyzGf0
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) November 26, 2024
UPDATE: Hunt and Pacheco are expected to rotate "situationally" in Week 13. Pacheco is expected to play.
#Chiefs OC Matt Nagy on getting RB Isiah Pacheco back: "The best part about that is you just don't have one where they're getting worn down by the time you get to the fourth quarter."
He mentions that workload will be determined in-game, situationally.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 26, 2024
Who Should I Pickup in Week 13 Fantasy Football?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards should have more opportunities to carry the ball moving forward. LAC's lead back, J.K. Dobbins (knee) could be set to miss some time due to a knee injury. That will open up a lot of vacated touches. That being said, Edwards hasn't looked great this season.
You could also take a shot on a handcuff like Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis or Los Angeles Rams RB Blake Corum. There isn't much available on waivers this late in the season, so in many leagues, that could be your best chance of getting a difference maker. Sometimes it's best to just roll the dice.
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