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Kansas City Chiefs: Five Players To Watch Against Chargers

By Travis Steffen

ST. JOSEPH, MO - AUGUST 05: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) makes a catch during training camp on August 5, 2018 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. JOSEPH, MO - AUGUST 05: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) makes a catch during training camp on August 5, 2018 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Kareem Hunt

The league’s number one rusher from a season ago returns entering his second season in the NFL. Kareem Hunt is now bolstered with a running back room that is arguably the best in the league with Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, and Darrel Williams sitting behind him. We will see a little of everyone this season as Andy Reid tries to keep Hunt healthy and fully charged for a late-season run.

The Chargers ranked dead last in yards per rushing attempt given up last season with 4.9. The team failed to address the situation in the offseason which would indicate that it will be another season of struggling immensely against the running game. Los Angeles is strong for the most part in the secondary, even with some injuries, but if Kansas City can gash the Chargers defense over and over by running the ball, it could take some pressure off of Patrick Mahomes during his first start that matters.

Given that Kareem Hunt averaged 4.9 yards per carry just last season, there’s no reason for him to not go off against the Chargers in Week 1. He ran the ball for 172 yards and a touchdown in the Week 3 game, and 155 yards and a touchdown in the Week 15 game against the Chargers last season.

Those were also games that Hunt saw more touches than his average per game. I expect with not only the competition against the Chargers and their lack of run defense but the fact that Patrick Mahomes will be playing his first meaningful game that the Chiefs will dial up plenty of run plays. Expect for a big showing from the running backs on Sunday night.

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