Kareem Hunt Shines as Isiah Pacheco Struggles in Chiefs’ Backfield
The Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield was significantly shaped by Kareem Hunt’s impactful performance in their 23-14 divisional-round victory over the Houston Texans. Hunt, who had not seen playoff action with the Chiefs since 2018, delivered when it mattered most, scoring a touchdown and making key plays in the second half, including a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion and a pair of strong runs to ice the game. While Isiah Pacheco started the game, his struggles led to Hunt’s increased workload, with Pacheco finishing with just five carries for 18 yards. Hunt finished with eight carries for 44 yards, making the most of his opportunities, and his strong performance has likely earned him more touches in the upcoming AFC Championship game.
Looking ahead to the AFC Championship, Hunt’s fantasy outlook has improved considerably, especially if Pacheco’s struggles persist. With Pacheco unable to regain his pre-injury form, Hunt could continue to see a larger role in the backfield. Both the Bills and Ravens have shown vulnerabilities to opposing running backs, which further boosts Hunt’s value. If Hunt maintains this level of production, he could be a sneaky fantasy play, especially for DFS purposes. Pacheco, on the other hand, is unlikely to see a significant increase in workload and will likely remain in a backup role, limiting his fantasy upside heading into the next game.
Mike Lindberg @FFCanuck99