27 Kareem Hunt RB

Hunt carried the ball 13 times for 81 yards and two score and added 28 yards on three catches in Sunday's 27-20 victory over the Eagles.

Through more than half of the game, it appeared that Hunt's opening-night dominance might have been beginner's luck. Then he took a draw up middle for a 53-yard score and never looked back, finding the end-zone again on a gritty two-yard carry late in the game. From Brian Westbrook to Jamaal Charles, head coach Andy Reid has had luck in giving elusive backs the opportunity to make a few game-breaking plays per contest. Though it is very early in his career, Hunt seems like he might be of a similar mold - capable of striking at any time.

Hunt carried 17 times for 148 yards and a touchdown and secured all five of his targets for 98 yards and two additional scores in Thursday's 42-27 season-opening win over the Patriots. He also lost a fumble on his first career carry.

Hunt's NFL career could hardly have gotten off to a more auspicious start, as he fumbled on his first career carry after being hit by Jordan Richards. However, the Toledo product made up for his early gaffe in spectacular fashion to say the least, capping off three subsequent drives with a three-yard touchdown reception, a 78-yard touchdown catch and finally, a four-yard touchdown rush to extend the Chiefs' lead to 34-27 in the fourth quarter. Hunt's 239 total scrimmage yards were the most by a player in his NFL debut since the 1970 merger. Additionally, he notably received all but one of the Chiefs' running back touches on the night, with Charcandrick West logging only one rush. It remains to be seen if Hunt's usage going forward mirrors that of Week 1, but his performance in the opener undeniably warrants it. He'll look to follow up Thursday's outburst when he faces the Eagles in Week 2.

Hunt will be the No. 1 running back in Thursday's regular-season opener at New England, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Hunt elevated to the gig when Spencer Ware tore the PCL and LCL in his right knee in preseason Week 3. With Charcandrick West and C.J. Spiller the only other RBs on the roster, Hunt is the clear candidate to replace Ware and receive the lion's share of touches. However, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy mentioned recently that all three will have roles in the offense, so Hunt may not uphold his end of the bargain to start the season. In the end, though, Hunt will be a constant in the backfield, which should reap rewards in one of the more balanced offenses in the NFL.

Hunt will serve as the Chiefs featured back while Spencer Ware (knee) is sidelined, Adam Teicher of ESPN reports.

Hunt seemed the logical candidate to replace Ware as the lead back, but now coach Andy Reid has made it official. Reid also suggested the other backs (Charcandrick West and C.J.Spiller) will receive some work, though Hunt stands to gain the most from the voided playing time. In addition to serving as a solid pass-catching option out of the backfield, Hunt should receive the lion's share of carries as well, boosting him up draft boards.

Hunt rushed for 39 yards on nine carries in the Chiefs' preseason loss to Seattle.

Short, stout, and shifty, Hunt is reminiscent of Andy Reid backs of seasons' past and ideal for the Chiefs' west-coast scheme and has averaged 4.4 yards per carry this preseason. He might be more of a focal point than previously imagined following Spencer Ware's knee injury. Depending on the severity, Hunt could go from third-round pick to hot fantasy commodity. While not a big-play threat, few teams incorporate the running back into the passing game as well as Kansas City. If Ware's injury is serious, Hunt suddenly becomes an early-round get.