2022 Fantasy Upside
We’ve seen the fantasy upside for years now with Kamara. A lot of the offense runs through him. He can do it all. Even with missing four games in 2021, Kamara totaled almost 1,250 yards and nine touchdowns. As long as he is on the field, he is a strong fantasy option and a scoring threat.
2022 Fantasy Downside
Of course, this year, the “as long as he is on the field” takes on a whole new meaning for Kamara. He was arrested in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl weekend for allegedly assaulting a man. So there’s no telling if he’ll be able to play a full 17 games due to this case. One key to remember is that his first hearing is set for August 1, a hearing that was originally supposed to take place in April.
2022 Bottom Line
As our John Paulsen writes: “The delay (in Kamara’s hearing) increases the chances that he’ll be able to play a full season as the case makes its way through the legal system. But the video is key here. If it’s as (disturbing) as the police report say it is, and if it’s leaked or the NFL otherwise obtains it, it could force the league’s hand as far as a suspension is concerned. If he dodges a suspension, Kamara has top-five upside, but it should be noted that his touches were depressed (16.8 vs. 24.4) in the four games he played with Mark Ingram.” But as Paulsen also notes, Ingram is now 32 while Kamara is still in his prime. You have to think if Kamara is able to play, he’ll see the field plenty and has tremendous upside. But you wouldn’t be blamed if you decided to shy away because of the legal issues.
Week 17 vs Panthers
Alvin Kamara did all he could against the Dolphins, but the deck was just way too stacked against the Saints because of COVID. Week 17 should be better, as the Saints may also get Taysom Hill back. That said, the Panthers held Kamara in check back in Week 2 with just 30 total yards, though he did catch four passes in that game. If there's a week for Kamara to snap his recent funk, it's this week. The Saints are in big trouble if he doesn't. He's still an RB1 just due to his weekly upside.
Week 16 vs Dolphins
Tampa Bay is pretty good on defense, aren't they? Alvin Kamara was limited to just 31 yards on 13 touches. Now things get really interesting. Kamara faces Miami, who ranks 7th in rushing yards allowed per game and has only gotten better over the last month and a half. And New Orleans is starting rookie Ian Book at quarterback after Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian were both placed on the reserve/Covid list. Kamara is always brimming with upside as we know, but last week showed how quickly things can go south in a game.
Week 15 vs Buccaneers
Looks like Alvin Kamara is just fine. 27 carries, 120 yards and one touchdown last week. Of course, that was against the Jets. This week, it's the Buccaneers. However, Kamara did have 76 total yards and a touchdown in the Week 8 win over Tampa. He has a touchdown in three straight games he has played in. He's back. Play him.
Week 14 vs Jets
Alvin Kamara was a surprise inactive last week against the Cowboys, but it looks like he'll finally be back this week after missing the last four games because of injury. And great timing too, as the Saints will likely be without Mark Ingram, who is on the reserve/Covid list. Also, good timing because the Jets are the worst defense in our matchup rankings against opposing running backs. We'll see if the Saints ease him back in, but he was a full participant in practice Wednesday.
Week 13 vs Cowboys
Alvin Kamara should return to the lineup Thursday, but it's sounding like the Saints could still be cautious with Kamara, who hasn't played since Week 9. Having Mark Ingram back can allow the Saints to ease Kamara back in, so he may not put up his usual explosive numbers. But his upsides always make him worth a play and we still have him ranked as an RB1 for the week in half-PPR.
Update: Alvin Kamara will not play today.
Week 10 vs Titans
The main thing to watch at this point with Alvin Kamara is his practice report. He did not practice Wednesday with a knee injury, so keep a close eye on the rest of the week. But if he's good to go, you're starting him. He's scored in four straight games. Not much else to say on Kamara.
Week 9 vs Falcons
If you're worried about Taysom Hill taking work away from Alvin Kamara, keep in mind that Kamara scored a touchdown in three of the four games Hill started in 2020. Hill may see more goal-line work, but they're not going to forget about Kamara. Keep him in the lineup. Two of those three aforementioned games came against the Falcons, whom Kamara and the Saints see in Week 9. Kamara will be just fine.
Week 8 vs Buccaneers
Alvin Kamara just has so many different ways to beat you. 128 yards on 10 catches and a touchdown last week against the Seahawks is another example of that. There's really no discussion needed at this point. He's also very happy to be back with his old buddy Mark Ingram, so that should be fun to watch again.
Week 7 at Seahawks
Alvin Kamara scored his first rushing touchdown in Week 5 and also added his third receiving touchdown of the season. Safe to say you're starting him regardless of opponent, but especially against a Seattle team that's allowing the third-most rushing yards per game.
