Okay, sports fans, let’s break down Alvin Kamara and how the running back projects for the 2024 fantasy football season. At first glance, everything looks rosy for Alvin Kamara as he still reigns supreme atop the Saints running back totem pole. But don’t get too excited Kamaramaniacs! Yes, he was a solid commodity in fantasy football last season, especially in ppr-leagues where his receiving gave him a nice boost throughout the season. On top of that, Kamara was utilized as a workhorse most of the year due to injuries to the other running backs. So seeing last season’s high point total in fantasy football, you might think he’ll just do it again, right?
Don’t! Because this season things could look a whole lot different. He ain’t your father’s Alvin Kamara anymore, as the former Tennessee Volunteer is another year closer to 30 and faces some stiff competition for carries. Toss in a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak and you’ve got some David Bowie level changes in store for Kamara and the Saint’s offense. That means there is no more guarantee that the team will rely on Kamara to get things done which means you can’t rely on him in your fantasy football lineup.
Can Alvin Kamara still be the guy in New Orleans?
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Coach Kubiak might prefer to move away from Alvin Kamara as the lead guy and has plenty of options to do so. Jamaal Williams, renowned touchdown thief, and all-around great guy, looks like a Mark Ingram-level threat to Kamara this season. Last year didn’t go as planned, but if Williams can stay healthy and duplicate some of his Detroit magic, then it’s going to come at the expense of AK-41.
And if Jamaal slips up then last season’s 3rd round pick, Kendre Miller, is finally healthy and ready to take on some of Alvin Kamara’s workload. Last season was a wash for Miller due to injury, but that’s all behind him now. This is why the TCU product is a potential late-round steal in fantasy drafts and a true threat to Alvin Kamara having a big season. He’s a younger, stronger back with the potential to become a bell-cow down the line. But it’s not just the running backs that have the potential to rob Alvin Kamara of his value this season.
Alvin Kamara 2024 Outlook
Taysom Hill is back as a touchdown vulture to zap value from all three of New Orlean’s running backs. The ageless wonder may be listed as a tight end but it’s his short-yard rushing that the Saints like to utilize, which knocks down opportunities for Kamara. Toss Taysom into the mix along with all these back and you might have a full-on running back by committee.
So while you may be tempted to grab Alvin Kamara at the end of the 3rd round or in the 4th, I highly recommend passing. Could he end up having a good season? Sure, and so could Barry Sanders. But it’s about likelihood and value. And a third-round pick needs to have exceptional value with upside, not glaring red flags coming from all over.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, Alvin Kamara doesn’t have that upside anymore, as last season was the perfect storm for him to stay a bellcow back for one last moment alone in the sun. But things are different now in New Orleans, so don’t let name recognition trick you into wasting a valuable early-round pick. Instead, sit and wait for Kendre and Jamaal, who are both going to get a lot of opportunities this season for the Saints. And don’t feel bad for Alvin Kamara, he’s had a great career and made lots of money. You can still route for him, just don’t sully your team and season by risking an implosion.
