Rush champ Hunt ready for playoffs

KANSAS CITY, MO.» Kareem Hunt has been running through challenges all season.

First, there was the challenge of taking over the starting job in Kansas City when veteran running back Spencer Ware, who was supposed to form a two-headed monster with him, went down with a seasonending injury during a preseason game against Seattle.

Then there was the challenge of living up to expectations, which soared after Hunt ran roughshod over New England in the season opener and merely kept climbing after a string of incredible performances.

There was the inevitable challenge of breaking through the rookie wall, too. Hunt struggled along with the rest of the Chiefs during a midseason swoon that saw them lose six out of seven, putting their once-iron grip on the AFC West in jeopardy with a few games left in the regular season.

The next challenge: The Titans’ bruising rush defense, now that Hunt has led the Chiefs to their second straight division title and into a wild-card game Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I always believe in myself. I always think I’m going to make something happen,” said Hunt, a third-round pick out of Toledo. “When Ware went down, I had an opportunity to step in and fill a role.”

He filled that role in record-setting fashion, too.

Hunt successfully persuaded coach Andy Reid to let him play last week against the Broncos, even though the division had been decided and playoff position set, so that he could take aim at the league rushing title.

Hunt only needed one carry to scamper 35 yards for an early touchdown, enough yardage to send him past the Rams’ Todd Gurley with 1,327 yards in just over 15 games.

Hunt faces a big test this weekend in Tennessee, which rolls into Arrowhead Stadium allowing 88.8 yards rushing per game — the best in the AFC and fourth-best in the league.

Footnote.

Cornerback Phillip Gaines (dislocated elbow) was placed on injured reserve, and defensive tackle Stefan Charles was signed to provide depth.