Week 6 at Houston Texans
Alvin Kamara is back in control of the Saints’ backfield. He went from 11 rushing attempts in Week 4 to 22 in Week 5. He obviously was never going to sustain 13 catches a game. He had three last week. That’s 25 touches. Everyone else is now just competing to spell Kamara. He’s back as a top option at the position. He gets the Texans this week who are giving up about 25 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Week 5 at New England Patriots
In his first game back from suspension, Alvin Kamara was, expectedly, heavily involved in the offense with 24 touches, including 13 receptions. Yet somehow, those 13 catches only produced 33 yards, which set a record for fewest yards on such a catch total. Still, 13 receptions in his first game back. Might be safe to say Kamara is back as the main guy in New Orleans' backfield. Those catches might come in handy again this week. The Patriots are currently a top-10 team against the run. However, Matthew Judon is out which takes a huge amount of air out of the Patriots' front. Kamara is nearly an RB1 again, especially if his receiving usage continues to be strong.
Week 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Alvin Kamara is back from his three-game suspension and should go right back to the top of the depth chart. The Saints probably don’t want to push Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams is on injured reserve. Plus, Derek Carr is out. So the Saints May go back to feeding Kamara on offense, leading to plenty of opportunities to make Kamara a Flex or even an RB2 this week against the Buccaneers.
Fantasy Upside
Alvin Kamara could still be considered RB1 in New Orleans. He finished last season with at least 20 carries in three of the Saints' final four games and at least 70 rushing in his final four games. With (hopefully) better quarterback play, Kamara could have some room to run when he is on the field.
Fantasy Downside
The key is "when he is on the field." With Kamara pleading "no contest" to the charges stemming from his 2022 incident in Las Vegas, Kamara could face a suspension from the league for violating the personal conduct policy. The Saints also signed Jamaal Williams, last season's rushing touchdown leader, and drafted Kendre Miller out of TCU. Kamara totaled just four touchdowns in 2022. His days as a top-tier fantasy back look to be over.
2023 Bottom Line
Kamara could still be a plug-and-play flex option some weeks, but the backfield is now crowded in New Orleans and Kamara isn't the explosive back he once was. He'll still be involved in the passing game, but even at that, he's a limited fantasy option anymore.
Week 17 at Philadelphia Eagles
Another strong day in Week 16 for Alvin Kamara, going over 100 total yards for the second straight game. The offense has run through him of late with 41 carries over the last two games. If New Orleans is going to somehow makes the playoffs, Kamara will be the reason. He'll also be one of the reasons you'll win a championship if you have him in the finals this week, even in a tough matchup against the Eagles.
Week 16 at Cleveland Browns
Alvin Kamara bounced back for fantasy owners right at the best possible time. He had 91 rushing yards and cracked 100 total yards against the Falcons. The good news is he has another favorable matchup this week against the Browns, who are allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. With the Saints somehow still in the playoff chase, Kamara will still be running hard, which is good news for his fantasy owners. He's a very solid start this week.
Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The numbers weren't really there for Alvin Kamara in Week 13 -- just 37 total yards -- but Mark Ingram is out, so Kamara should see more work as a result, which should, hopefully, improve his stock. He should also still see plenty of work in the passing game, also boosting his stock. Atlanta also is not very good on defense, so if there's a chance to get back on track for Kamara, this is the week. He's worth the roll of the dice this week.
Week 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes, Alvin Kamara only had 50 total yards last week. But we know at this point the 49ers sport one of the best defenses in the league. The Buccaneers look like a better matchup, especially after being beat up by Nick Chubb. The unfortunate side is that Kamara still has just three total touchdowns this season and they all came in one game, back in Week 8. Maybe this is the week he ends his dry spell. Consider Kamara an RB2 this week.
Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers
Another week where Alvin Kamara's usage in the passing helped salvage a double-digit fantasy day against the Rams. And it doesn't get any easier this week, as he goes up against the 49ers and their elite defense. That's if Kamara is even able to play. He's been out with an illness so far this week in practice. Keep an eye on the Saints' injury report Friday and for any reports throughout the weekend.
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams
The limitations of the Saints offense have started taking its toll on Alvin Kamara, who has just 56 rushing yards in the last two weeks and just six total catches after having a stretch of 28 catches in four games from Weeks 5-8. A chance for a bounce-back comes in Week 11 against a banged-up Rams defense who are giving up the 10th-most receiving yards per game to the running back position. He's still a weekly low-end RB1.
