Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football reports that Saints RB Alvin Kamara has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from his 2022 Las Vegas incident. Underhill adds that "the felony charge is going away." That doesn't necessarily tell us what to expect in terms of league suspension. But the lightening of charges can't be bad news for Kamara's NFL penalty. And the plea deal should help speed up the league's decision. Kamara has been going in low-RB3 range of best ball drafts, which has made him a value -- albeit with the risk of uncertainty. We'll keep updating his projection in our rankings as more becomes clear.
Saints insider Nick Underhill believes RB Kendre Miller will rush for over 500 yards in 2023. In the words of Underhill: “Even if Alvin [Kamara] doesn’t miss time…I think he’s going to force his way on the field…. I think he’s going to earn snaps.” Miller is coming off a meniscus injury, but RB coach Joel Thomas believes the 21-year-old will be a full participant come training camp. Saints rookies report to training camp in one week.
The biggest question facing Saints RB Alvin Kamara for 2023 is the risk of suspension stemming from his still-lingering assault case. We'll almost certainly be waiting until at least August for any news on that front. But what can we expect whenever he is on the field? The veteran showed declines in both rushing and receiving efficiency over the past two years. Kamara rebounded some from a career-low 3.7 yards per carry in 2021 to 4.0 last year. Though his 14.9 carries per game (down from 18.5 in 2021) might still be more than ideal. Kamara finished each of the past two years 40th or worse in Football Outsiders' rushing DVOA and DYAR. His yards after contact per attempt matched the lowest rate of his career and ranked 46th among 61 RBs with 70+ carries, according to Pro Football Focus. Kamara also set career lows in PFF receiving grade each of the past two years, though even last season found him a decent 23rd among 61 RBs with 20+ targets. Volume has kept Kamara productive. He finished each of the past five years among the top 11 RBs in opportunity share (carries plus targets). The Saints signed RB Jamaal Williams and then drafted RB Kendre Miller in Round 3, so we should expect some dip in Kamara's touch volume. They also spent big, though, on QB Derek Carr. So Kamara could make up for any loss in touches if his efficiency rebounds, in an offense with room to rebound. An RB3-level ADP makes Kamara an intriguing bet for best ball drafts -- and a potential steal if he avoids suspension. Read more about him and the other Saints RBs in our 2023 RB rankings.
Saints rookie RB Kendre Miller caught only 29 passes in 33 college games. Yet he believes he can step into a sizable receiving role in New Orleans. "It was something I never got to show [at TCU],” Miller said. "The coaches here, they've got me on the Jugs and the tennis ball machines. They were like, we knew it was in you, that's why we drafted you, we know you can catch. Just showing everybody else in the world my ability will be a big thing for me, and I'm ready to get out there and compete.” Miller name-dropped Alvin Kamara, who remains a suspension candidate after getting indicted in February. “How they use [Kamara] is kind of unique, and watching film every day, we watch a bunch of clips of him,” the rookie said. “How they use him in the pass game, that's pretty cool. I feel like I can step in and pretty much do the same thing.” If Kamara’s suspended, Miller’s ability in pass protection will be key in getting him on the field for passing downs. Jamaal Williams, of course, arrived on a 3-year deal in March. See our updated RB projections for more on all 32 backfields.
The Saints have agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with RB Jamaal Williams, according to multiple reports. The first thing you need to do here is ignore that Williams led the NFL in rushing TDs last year. That won't happen again. Williams logged eight more carries inside the 5-yard line than anyone else in the league -- 12 more than any other RB. He scored on half of those carries. Williams also led the league in red-zone carries and TDs, even while ranking just fifth in team share of red-zone attempts (60%). Williams benefited from a stellar Lions O-line, a run-friendly offense and D'Andre Swift injuries. He does, however, find another upside path in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara is widely expected to get some suspension this year for his pending assault case. Whether it will come this year and how long it will be, though, remains unknown. The Saints clearly imported Williams to at least complement Kamara, as we've seen Latavius Murray and Mark Ingram do before. Bet on Kamara ceding a larger share of carries than he did last year, as he hits his seventh NFL season. That's enough to make Williams a fine pick in his current low-RB3 ADP range. And if Kamara misses significant time, Williams could easily reach high-end RB2 production.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara has been indicted on battery charges stemming from his role in the assault that took place last February in Las Vegas. So the case is officially heading to court, with the 1st court date set for March 2, according to Pro Football Talk. "He intends to vigorously fight the allegations at trial as he was defending himself and others at the time of the incident," Kamara's lawyers said in a statement. We'll see how this case unfolds -- and how the NFL responds. Remember that the league does not need a legal conviction to suspend Kamara. And, considering there's video of the incident, it seems more likely than not that Kamara is suspended for part of the upcoming 2023 season. Draft accordingly.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Raiders and Saints have "the framework of a Derek Carr trade in place," which was apparently a condition in Vegas allowing the QB to visit the team. Carr possesses a no-trade clause, which likely means the deal depends on his preference after a "lengthy" visit. New Orleans would be a solid landing spot for the veteran QB, with a clear need at QB. We'd bet that such a trade would mean the end of Jameis Winston's time with the Saints. If you're drafting best-ball teams right now, then you can cheaply stack Carr with WR Chris Olave or RB Alvin Kamara -- who can be had as late as Round 5 or 6 in early fantasy football drafts.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara carried the ball 16 times for 74 yards in Sunday's win vs. the Eagles. The former Pro Bowler added another 7 yards on 1 catch in the receiving game. The touch opportunity was certainly there for Kamara in Week 17 at a minimum. Some could call his output a success considering the Eagles' defense entered Week 17 ranked 4th-best in Football Outsiders' run defense DVOA in the 3 weeks prior. Even so, a PPR performance under double-digits is less than ideal in the grand scheme of things. Kamara will have a chance to rebound in Week 18 vs. the Panthers.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara (quadriceps/NIR-personal) was a full participant on Friday and is set to play in Week 17 vs. the Eagles. Much has been made of Kamara's Instagram account being completely wiped and the fact he didn't practice at all until Friday. But as far as we know, the former Pro Bowler is going to suit up. 2022 has been an up-and-down journey for Kamara managers. However, 20+ touches over the last 2 weeks should inspire some confidence for strong volume if nothing else in a neutral matchup against the Eagles. Consider Kamara a low-end RB1 in Week 17.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara (quadriceps/NIR-personal) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. It's unknown how much of his absence is due to injury or the personal issue he's been excused from practice for. Hopefully, we'll have more information tomorrow. Kamara is considered an RB1 candidate if he is able to suit up in Week 17 vs. the Eagles. Keep tabs on RB David Johnson on your waiver wire if something prevents Kamara from playing.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara ran for 76 yards and a TD on 20 carries in Saturday's win over the Browns. That marked just 3.8 yards per rush, his 7th game among the past 8 with less than 4 yards per carry. But the TD was Kamara's 1st since Week 8, when he crossed the goal line 3 times against the Raiders. That had been Kamara's only game this season with a TD. Week 17 will bring a Philadelphia defense that has been friendlier to opponent rushing than passing. But it's not nearly as good a matchup for RB scoring as the one that allowed Kamara just 3.8 yards per rush this week.
The forecast for today's Saints-Browns game calls for temperatures in the single digits with sustained winds of 20-25 mph and gusts of 40+. The wind chill is well below zero. They're brutal conditions that will significantly limit the passing and kicking games. Check out our projections for all the Saints and Browns players.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara racked up 21 carries for 91 yards in Sunday's win over the Falcons. He drew 84% of New Orleans' RB attempts, ceding just 4 to David Johnson. Kamara added just 13 yards on 2 receptions. The Saints threw only 19 passes for the game, which didn't help. But Kamara got only 10.5% target share and was sharing passing-down snaps. He'll remain a decent fantasy option against the Browns and Eagles the next 2 weeks. But the ceiling is much lower than it has been.
Saints RBs Dwayne Washington and Eno Benjamin are inactive for today's game vs. the Falcons. That leaves just Alvin Kamara and David Johnson in New Orleans' backfield. Kamara should be in for plenty of touches today.
The Saints signed RB David Johnson to the active roster. He'll help New Orleans replace RB Mark Ingram, who's likely to miss the rest of the season with an MCL injury. We wouldn't bother adding Johnson to fantasy rosters even as an Alvin Kamara handcuff. RB Dwayne Washington is also on the active roster.
Saints RB Mark Ingram suffered a "slight tear" of his MCL in Monday night's loss to the Bucs, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Ingram doesn't need surgery but is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks, which likely ends his season. Ingram hasn't been a fantasy option this season, but he's put a slight dent in RB Alvin Kamara's usage. So consider this news a moderate boost to Kamara's rest-of-season outlook.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 12 times for 26 yards in a Week 13 loss to Tampa Bay. He added 2 catches (on 3 targets) for 11 yards. In a frustrating reality, Kamara was nearly splitting snaps with Mark Ingram going into halftime (13-10). The edge wound up being 35-25 in Kamara’s favor, but the game plan (combined with the matchup) proved too much to overcome. The former RB1 has now been held under 13 PPR points 5 straight. Week 14 turns up a bye, followed by a more favorable draw vs. Atlanta.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara endured another rough outing on the ground in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. He managed only 13 yards on 7 carries, averaging a season-worst 1.9 yards per rush. It was his 4th straight game with 42 yards or less and 5th straight with less than 3.5 yards per carry. Kamara did, at least, add a team-high 6 receptions (on 7 targets) for 37 yards. A Week 13 matchup with the Buccaneers is at least friendlier than the 49ers. Kamara's best remaining spots, though, come after the Week 14 bye.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara endured another lackluster rushing day in Sunday's win over the Rams. His 42 yards on 12 carries came out to just 3.5 per rush. Kamara fared better as a receiver, though, catching 4 balls for 47 yards among 5 targets. His 89 total yards marked an improvement over the previous 2 games. Kamara still hasn't found the end zone, though, outside of his 3-TD game against the Saints in Week 8. A Week 12 matchup with San Francisco doesn't look especially promising for a rebound. David Johnson carried once for a 4-yard loss and caught his lone target for 11 yards in his New Orleans debut.
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