Kareem Hunt Week 4 Waiver Wire: Should fantasy managers add Chiefs RB?

Kareem Hunt is back where it all began. Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed the veteran running back to their practice squad with the aim of elevating him in place of a hurting Isiah Pacheco.

With this unexpected second chance with the team coming almost six years after a major off-field controversy caused him to be ditched the first time, does he represent a wise fantays choice?

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Should you add Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt in Week 4 Waiver Wire?

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Even though the Chiefs are back to being dominant in the AFC West at least, they have a shortage of capable halfbacks. In their last game, their leading rusher was undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who plays fullback - which is nowadays normally more of a blocker and receiver.

And against the Los Angeles Chargers, that need for a capable halfback will only increase, with the likes of Scott Matlock (when he lines up at defensive end) and Joey Bosa posing a major threat to the currently weak HB room.

Before he was relased in the middle of the 2018 season, Hunt had looked like a dominant force, rushing for over 2,000 yards and at least seven touchdowns. He is unlikely to be a key weapon this time around, with Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice getting most of the plays; but he should prove to be an intriguing addition nonetheless.

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Kareem Hunt's 2024 fantasy outlook

The previous season was marred by a litany of mistakes among the KC wideout room, most notably dropped passes, in which they led the league. But at the same time, Isiah Pacheco emerged as a dependable alternative offensive option. And with him still out with an injury, it provides Kareem Hunt with a chance to regain his high fantasy value

It is hard to see the current iteration of him as a role player, someone who is more of a contributor to a team's success rather than a dominator. But if he can attain a respectably hign number of yards, both total and average, then he should see his fantasy value increase.

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Is Kareem Hunt a good waiver wire pickup in Week 4?

After a horrible 2023 season, the Chargers underwent an extensive offensive overhaul, shedding running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. But their defensive has remained mostly intact behind Joey Bosa, and it has arguably become better after adding Khalik Mack among others.

At 29 years of age, Hunt is still in the theoretical prime of his career, capable of producing strong numbers. If one is curious enough, then he should be classified as a waiver wire sleeper.