Fantasy Football 2018: Who gets carries with Mark Ingram out?

Before Mark Ingram’s suspension was announced, he was a fantasy football must-draft. With a four-game suspension, which Saint is worth picking up instead?

The New Orleans Saints are predicted to have another big year in 2018. Last season, they dominated with their run game. With both Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram healthy and available, there was no stopping them. For us fantasy football players, it was incredible.

This upcoming season poses a challenge, though. Not only are the Saints losing Ingram for four games, but fantasy players are too. Kamara is going to be a high draft pick and likely one you might not get. While drafting Ingram is a possibility, it’s time to think about his replacement.

Right now, there are four players competing for Ingram’s spot, two of which are veterans, one a rookie and the other a three-year player. Between the four, let’s find out who is worth picking up and who you should stay away from this fantasy season.

First up are the two veterans: Shane Vereen and Terrance West. Veeren is a former member of the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Drafted in 2011, Veeren made a small impact with the Patriots including during their 2014 Super Bowl win.

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What has held Veeren back is injuries. He could have been a solid pickup for the Giants, but was injured in 2016. In 2017, he bounced back a little, but failed to score a touchdown. Later, the Giants released him and the Saints picked him up. He has a long and complicated history, but is unlikely to make an impact in fantasy.

Between West and Veeren, Veeren is better suited to replace Kamara while West is more of an Ingram fill-in. West and Ingram share a similar build and similar running styles. West is another player who was all over the NFL, but had the most success with the Baltimore Ravens.

Despite a solid season in 2016, West’s injury sidelined him in 2017 and resulted in the Ravens cutting him. West did have some flashes and has a good chance at stepping in with Ingram out. Between West and Veeren, the former is definitely a better fantasy football pickup.

Moving onto the last two options, the Saints drafted rookie Boston Scott. Scott played for Louisiana Tech as a dual-threat running back and wide receiver. Scott is an interesting prospect to take Ingram’s place and is likely at the bottom of the list. Most notably, it’s because of his lack of experience, but also his return skills.

If the Saints are going to utilize Scott, it will likely be as a special teams player. He might make the change to running back eventually. However, his return during Preseason Week 1 takes him out of the conversation for now.

The last player with a chance is Jonathan Williams. Williams was drafted by the Bills in 2016 and spent time on the Broncos practice squad before signing with the Saints in 2017. Williams saw no action in 2017 and that’s not at all surprising.

Regardless, Williams has a chance during this season. During Week 1 of the preseason, Williams scored a touchdown and rushed for 26 yards. He’s also worth watching against the Cardinals on Friday.

Williams is another interesting prospect as he’s shown flashes. If he puts up another good performance against the Cardinals, he should be in the conversation. Between the four players, Williams and West are your best bet for an Ingram replacement.

Depending on how deep your league is, you might not even have to try for them and instead draft Ingram for later. Either way, drafting a few Saints players is always good for securing much-needed fantasy points.