NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Fantasy Football 2018: Expectations for sophomore running backs

By Donnie Druin

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the New York Jets at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the New York Jets at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Alvin Kamara

If we’re keeping the magical theme, there’s no doubting Kamara was fantasy football’s “Prince Charming” of 2017. Kamara, the fifth running back taken in the 2017 NFL Draft, gets most of his work through the air, thus making him more valuable in fantasy formats like PPR (points per reception) as opposed to standard scoring. Kamara led all rookies in both receptions (81) and receiving yards (826) in 2017, and is the heavy favorite to lead the class again in 2018.

What makes Kamara’s numbers more outstanding is the fact that he shares a backfield with fellow running back Mark Ingram. Kamara’s role is solidified as a pass-catching back who can also get it done on the ground when asked to. Despite only seeing double-digit carries five times in 2017, he was able to see a steady 6.1 yards per carry while finding the end zone eight times as a rusher. Case in point, Kamara can run, catch, fill the water cooler and paint your porch if you asked him to.

The same situation that makes Kamara’s efficiency so unique is what will likely help him to springboard his production in 2018, as his shared backfield will be vacant for the first four games due to Ingram’s suspension for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

The four matchups Kamara will be flying solo for? Two home games against Tampa Bay and Cleveland to start the season, and two road games against New York (Giants) and Atlanta. If you can’t hear that, that’s the sound of Kamara and his fantasy owners licking his chops at the opportunity to blow the door open on the 2018 season.

Kamara plays in one of the friendliest offenses, as Drew Brees commands a balanced attack that has not been seen in New Orleans in perhaps the team’s history. He is one of the more special talents in the league, and has shown absolute zero signs of slowing down in year two. Due to a whole four games with him as the feature back, expect the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year to pick up exactly where he left off from last season.

2018 ADP: No. 5 overall pick
2018 expectations: 1,080 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 85 receptions, 7 touchdowns

Home/Fantasy Football