What is the outlook of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt?
By Calvin K (Twitter: @Calvin_SGF)
The Cleveland Browns have a backfield well-suited to the NFL, with a between-the-tackles power runner in Nick Chubb and an elusive change-of-pace pass-catcher in Kareem Hunt. While Hunt is technically the backup, he could probably start for the majority of NFL teams, and he consistently is efficient and effective even in his efficient role. Same with Chubb, who is one of the toughest and most consistent runners in the game. However, the fact that both take work away from each other can put a slight cap on their respective fantasy values, although the Browns’ run-heavy offense can offset much of that. In this article, I’ll unpack Chubb and Hunt’s value before arriving at the final verdict.
Nick Chubb’s Outlook
After three straight years of top-10 finishes (excluding Week 18 in 2021 and Week 17 in 2020-2019), Chubb has established himself as one of the top fantasy RBs, and it’s honestly fair to say that Hunt doesn’t have a major negative effect on his fantasy value. Sure, his PPR value is diminished by low reception totals, but Chubb isn’t an amazing pass-catcher anyway, and if he were out on the field for 100% of snaps, his efficiency would drastically diminish. Speculation consistently abounds regarding Chubb’s potential without Hunt, but it’s very possible that the narrative of “Hunt limits Chubb” is overplayed.
With that being said, Chubb has now seen three straight years with a heavy workload and a couple of injuries, and at 26, he’s not too far off from the universally feared age 27 season that marks the end for many RBs. Chubb hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet, so that narrative can also be taken with a grain of salt somewhat, but it’s something to keep an eye on as he continues to maintain a heavy workload on the ground. Overall, Chubb can still be considered a borderline top-10 RB in dynasty. I’d certainly rank a younger back with immense upsides, such as Javonte Williams, ahead of him, but Chubb will still be consistently elite in the short-term, making him a solid trade target for a win-now team.
Kareem Hunt’s Outlook
Kareem Hunt’s outlook is murkier because recently, there’s been speculation that he could get traded from the Browns. Among the possibilities mentioned have been a reunion with Kansas City, as well as Houston as part of a Deshaun Watson package. None of these rumors have any actual traction behind them at this point, but they are two of a number of possibilities for Hunt’s future.
Right now, Hunt is a solid RB3 with his main upside coming in the potential for a trade. Hunt is certainly talented enough to be an NFL starter, and we shouldn’t let his primary usage as a pass-catcher make us forget about his ability on the ground as well. If he gets moved to a spot where he’s the clear starter, Hunt immediately jumps to solid RB2 status, with potential for more if he gets enough of a workload. If he stays in Cleveland, there’s no point in pursuing him in dynasty given his limited upside, but for a team looking to take a risk, he’s an okay trade target at the right price, given that a trade seems somewhat unlikely at this point.
Final Verdict
Overall, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt’s fantasy values for next year likely will play out similarly to how they have in the past. Chubb will be a back-end RB1 with a high rushing total, and Hunt will be a semi-consistent PPR option that catches a lot of passes. A trade could certainly change this outlook, but as of now, there don’t seem to be rumblings of trade, at least in NFL circles. Thus, Chubb is probably the better trade target in the dynasty at this point, given that many managers may be looking to trade him at the right price given his current spot in a timeshare. Hunt has limited upside at this point, so he’s a good hold for consistency if you currently roster him, but he’s not someone that dynasty managers should look to trade for.
