After tallying just 1 reception and never topping 20 touches through 2018’s first three weeks, Kareem Hunt finally became more involved all-around versus the Broncos. He totaled 175 yards and a score on 22 touches (3 catches), and was far more active throughout. The performance sent him skyrocketing from the RB20 in FPs to now the RB6. He’s now totaled 4 TDs in his past 3 games, and seems firmly back on path to his usual RB1 self.
First-round investors can breath out a sigh of relief. One of the main appeals to Hunt is Andy Reid‘s constant usage of RBs in the passing-game. So when this element disappeared early in 2018, minor-panic seemed appropriate. So while three receptions is nothing to throw a party over — especially with Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey logging 14+ catches every other week — the increased total is calming.
Hunt averaged over 3 catches per game en route to 53 receptions in his rookie season. Entering 2018, Reid hinted at an expanded receiving role for Hunt: “We thought we had a decent number of plays for Kareem last year, [but] we probably need to increase the pass part of that a little bit more and expand on his role in the pass game.” While that’s clearly yet to come to fruition, he’s at least taking the right steps.
Moreover, Hunt’s erased Spencer Ware “Vulture Concerns” by scoring three TDs from within the 10 yard line, where his 10 carries rank 5th in the league. Thus, as a multidimensional, 15-20+ touch back with GL work on lock, in the league’s most explosive offense, Hunt’s RB1 value feels very firm. He received the appropriate bump back into my Top-12 on the Season Long Big Board.
