Kareem Hunt Scoops Weekly Award for the Kansas City Chiefs

In a season where the Kansas City Chiefs have faced their share of offensive challenges, running back Kareem Hunt delivered a standout performance that earned him well-deserved recognition: the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 14. Hunt’s dominant showing in the Chiefs’ 31–24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals—where he rushed for 123 yards, caught 5 passes for 47 yards, and scored two touchdowns—played a pivotal role in keeping Kansas City’s playoff hopes alive. For Hunt, a Kansas City native who returned to his hometown team in 2025 after stints with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans, the award is more than just individual praise; it’s a validation of his role in reviving the Chiefs’ struggling rushing attack. Kareem Hunt Scoops Weekly Award for the Kansas City Chiefs dives into the details of his award-winning game, his impact on the Chiefs’ offense, and what this honor means for both the player and the team.

Kareem Hunt Scoops Weekly Award for the Kansas City Chiefs first breaks down the Week 14 performance that secured the award. Facing a Bengals defense that had allowed just 92 rushing yards per game entering the contest, Hunt took control from the opening drive. On the Chiefs’ first possession, he broke off a 35-yard run—his longest of the season—to set up a field goal, setting the tone for the day. In the second quarter, he capped off a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Chiefs a 17–7 lead. But Hunt saved his best for the fourth quarter, when the Bengals had pulled within 3 points. With 4:21 left in the game, he caught a short pass from Patrick Mahomes, broke two tackles, and sprinted 22 yards for the go-ahead touchdown—effectively sealing the win. “That fourth-quarter catch-and-run was vintage Kareem,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “He’s got that ability to turn a 5-yard pass into a game-changer. He was the difference for us on Sunday.” Hunt’s 170 total yards from scrimmage marked his highest output since 2022, and his two touchdowns were the first multi-touchdown game of his 2025 season.

A key part of Hunt’s award-winning success is his seamless integration into the Chiefs’ offense and his ability to complement starter Isiah Pacheco. When Hunt signed with the Chiefs in March 2025, many expected him to be a backup, but injuries to Pacheco (hamstring, knee) forced him into a larger role—and he’s seized the opportunity. Over the last four weeks, Hunt has averaged 89 rushing yards per game, up from 45 yards per game in the first 10 weeks. What makes Hunt so valuable is his versatility: he’s a physical runner who can handle between-the-tackles duties (averaging 4.6 yards per carry) and a reliable receiver out of the backfield (32 catches for 287 yards this season). “Kareem and I have a great rhythm,” Mahomes said. “He knows where to be on every play, and he makes my job easier by turning simple plays into big gains. He’s not just a running back—he’s a playmaker.” Hunt’s presence has also taken pressure off the Chiefs’ struggling offensive line. By making defenders miss in the backfield, he’s turned potential losses into gains, and his ability to block in pass protection has helped keep Mahomes upright. For a Chiefs offense that had been overly reliant on the passing game, Hunt’s emergence has added a much-needed balanced attack.

A defining aspect of Kareem Hunt Scoops Weekly Award for the Kansas City Chiefs is the timing of the award, which comes at a critical point in the Chiefs’ playoff push. With a 8–6 record, the Chiefs currently hold the No. 5 seed in the AFC, but they face a tough remaining schedule that includes matchups with the Buffalo Bills (10–4) and Baltimore Ravens (11–3). Hunt’s performance against the Bengals not only gave the Chiefs a crucial win but also boosted team morale, which had been flagging after a three-game losing streak in November. “This award is great for Kareem, but it’s also great for our team,” Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis said. “It shows that when we play complementary football—running and passing well—we’re a tough team to beat. Kareem’s success is our success.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s award is a reminder of their offensive potential. After months of struggling with injuries and inconsistency, the Chiefs are starting to look like the championship-caliber team they were expected to be—and Hunt is a big reason why. His ability to step up when needed has given the Chiefs a spark, and his confidence is rubbing off on his teammates.

Hunt’s award also carries personal significance, as it marks a return to form for a player who has faced adversity in recent years. After a standout rookie season with the Chiefs in 2017 (1,327 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns), Hunt was released in 2018 following off-field issues. He rebuilt his career with the Browns, but injuries limited his production in 2023 and 2024. When he signed with the Chiefs this offseason, it was seen as a “homecoming” and a chance to redeem himself in front of the fans who first cheered for him. “Coming back to Kansas City was special for me,” Hunt said in his post-award press conference. “I wanted to show the organization and the fans that I still had it in me. This award is for them as much as it is for me.” Hunt’s work ethic has also impressed his coaches and teammates. He’s often the first player on the practice field and the last to leave, and he’s taken younger running backs like Deneric Prince under his wing. “Kareem is a professional in every sense of the word,” Reid said. “He leads by example, and he’s been a great mentor for our young guys. This award is well-deserved.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s personal journey adds another layer of meaning to the award; he’s not just a player contributing to wins—he’s a story of resilience and growth.

Looking ahead, Hunt’s award could be a catalyst for the Chiefs’ final push toward the playoffs. With Pacheco expected to return from a hamstring injury in Week 15, the Chiefs will have both Hunt and Pacheco in the backfield—a “one-two punch” that few teams in the NFL can match. This depth will be crucial against the Bills and Ravens, who have strong run defenses but struggle to contain versatile running backs. “Having both Kareem and Isiah healthy is a luxury,” Lewis said. “We can use them in different packages—Kareem in the passing game, Isiah in the running game—and keep defenses guessing. It’s going to make us a lot harder to stop.” Hunt, for his part, is focused on the team’s success, not individual awards. “This is great, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t make the playoffs,” he said. “Our goal is to win a Super Bowl, and I’m going to do everything I can to help this team get there.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s award is a step in the right direction. It’s proof that their offense can still be elite, and it’s a sign that they have the talent and resilience to make a deep postseason run.

Wrapping up, Kareem Hunt Scoops Weekly Award for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of timing, talent, and resilience. Hunt’s award-winning performance came when the Chiefs needed it most, and his versatility has breathed new life into their offense. For Hunt, the award is a validation of his hard work and a reminder of why he fell in love with football in Kansas City. For the Chiefs, it’s a boost of confidence as they fight for a playoff spot and a chance to compete for another Super Bowl. As the season enters its final weeks, all eyes will be on Hunt and the Chiefs to see if they can build on this momentum. One thing is clear: Kareem Hunt is back, and he’s making the most of his second chance with the team that gave him his start. And for the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s exactly what they need to turn their season around.