Kareem Hunt essentially won me my fantasy league last year. Both he and Ingram were unstoppable. So, why would I be writing about him being a bust? Truthfully, of everyone I have written about, this is the one I feel the least confident about. However, I do want to point out a few issues with Hunt, that are alarming a little troublesome, to say the least.
First, let's start with longevity. As the season progressed, we saw production dwindle for Hunt. In week twelve he averaged 1.5 yards per carry. Now, this is counteracted by his 10.1 yards per carry in week three, and some other great performances, but that decline is a little worrisome. He is 5 foot 11, 201 pounds, so the guy really cannot take the amount of abuse a player like Fournette or Elliot can. He's still young, but one wrong tackle and things can go south fast without the bulk to help absorb it.
Let's also talk about the fact that Hunt did struggle when his team lost, and I do expect the Chiefs to take a few steps back this year with Mahones throwing the ball, and Sammy Watkins is their number one receiver (with Tyreek Hill or something). Take a look at his game to game stats at NFL.com. It is alarming to see because now there are significant changes to the offense without Alex Smith having a career year under center.
All of this is my way of saying 8th overall seems steep for Hunt. Beckham is going 14th, and that is complete insanity. I'm sure Hunt will have another solid year barring injury, but better than Gordon? Fournette? Beckham? Michael Thomas? I just can't buy that.
Owning Hunt at the start of the year last year was magical. He was putting up about 30 points a game. People want to ride that lightning, but don't fall for it. Second round I can see the argument, but before these other guys, I just cannot justify it.
What Should I do Instead?
The next six guys after him are the following: Fournette, Gordon, Hopkins, Jones, Cook, Beckham. I would take ANY of these players over Hunt.
Fantasy Bust: LeSean McCoy
At some point, it has to end. Generally, when it does, it isn't pretty. I think we will see LeSean McCoy struggle this year, and here's why. Let's start out with a fundamental question. I ask myself this every year for every team to help consider if a player will be this fantasy relevant. The question is always slightly altered, but you will get what I am driving at in a second. Can you name three players on the Bills right now? Sammie Watkins...oh wait. There's Richie Incognito....nevermind...Tyrod Taylor...oh, yeah he is with the Browns now.
To be fair, they do have Charles Clay, the Tight End whos career year was in 2013 with the Dolphins and has never caught more than 6 touchdowns in a season. Actually, for the last 3 years with the Bills, he has never had over 560 total yards. Also, who could forget Kelvin Benjamin, the Wide Receiver who hasn't been fantasy relevant since his rookie year with the Panthers in 2014. Or, Corey Coleman! We can't forget him. The Browns gave him away to the Bills for a seventh-round pick, all while they are having severe Wide Receiver issues of their own.
Who is their quarterback? AJ McCarron or whatever. I don't care enough to look up his name, but I am pretty sure his collarbone got decimated in a preseason game. Or is it Nathan Peterman, the player who's QB rating was 38.4 for the ENTIRE YEAR of 2017 (he threw five interceptions and two touchdowns and 253 yards).
Now that I have explained why the Bills will undoubtedly lose the AFC East, do I need to tell you why the Bills won't be running the ball effectively? Do I really need to point out that he is 30 years old? Isn't it clear they will stack the box against this poor, poor man? I can't wait to see Nathan Peterman run a bootleg and throw an interception in the first half of the first game. It's inevitable. When you can't throw the ball and make the defense respect the passing game, even if it is short passes, they will bottle you up. They won't let you run the ball.
Nobody fears the Bills, and we really shouldn't fear their run game.
I'm sorry LeSean McCoy! It was good while it lasted.
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