Running Backs: Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs- $8,000; Alex Collins, Baltimore Ravens- $6,700
If it wasn’t for Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara, Hunt would have been the recipient of the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
In his first season, Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He also played a role in the pass offense, catching 53 passes for 455 yards and three scores.
With quarterback Patrick Mahomes controlling the offense, Hunt’s production will continue to increase, especially in the pass game, something he has emphasized this offseason.
Hunt’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers is very favorable. Last season, he torched the Bolts running for a combined 327 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Chargers run defense allowed the second most yards in the NFL last season.
Similarly to Hunt, Collins also has great Week 1 matchup. The Ravens will take on the Buffalo Bills at home. Last year, the Bills allowed 124.6 rushing yards per game, ranked 29th in the NFL.
Collins, who was a 2016 fifth-round draft pick from the Seattle Seahawks, made the most of his opportunity in Baltimore last season and earned the starting position. He started in 12 games, compiled 973 yards and six touchdowns.
He was ranked fourth (4.59) in the NFL in yard per carry (minimum 200 carries) only behind Todd Gurley, Hunt and Mark Ingram. What makes this even more impressive is Collins only had two games in which he had 20+ carries.
Collins is looking to prove himself and he made himself clear with his message to all fantasy football owners. At $6,700 the value is there and the match-up is ideal.