Alvin Kamara finished as the RB11 in fantasy football last season, despite a season that fell short of some of the high expectations set for him. His career-low 694 running yards and lackluster 3.9 yards per carry were among the lowest of his career, yet this still happened. Kamara showed his flexibility and remained a key component of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive plan, so his season was by no means a complete letdown.
The Battles Kamara Faces on the Ground
Without question, Kamara had difficulties with his rushing game the previous season. His 694 running yards were his lowest since his rookie season, and the 3.9 yards per carry was a sharp decline from his career average of 4.6 yards. This downturn was caused by a number of causes, such as the Saints’ offensive line and offensive system changes as well as a lack of consistency at quarterback.
Kamara played in all 17 games despite these on-field difficulties, demonstrating his tenacity and dependability. The Saints frequently had trouble developing a reliable rushing game, which could have led to Kamara’s decreased effectiveness. It’s crucial to remember that running back play is heavily influenced by the offensive scenario as a whole, and Kamara’s lack of explosive rushing plays might be due to both his skill and an unfavorable context for ground output.
Kamara’s Ability to Pass the Ball
Kamara’s performance as a backfield receiver was where she really shined last season. He made a substantial contribution to the passing game, which allowed him to maintain a high fantasy worth despite his lack of success on the ground. Kamara demonstrated his innate ability to create mismatches against rival defenses by catching 75 receptions for 523 yards. He continued to be one of the NFL’s most versatile receiving backs, often lining up out wide or in the slot to capitalize on advantageous matchups.
Kamara’s poor running performance was lessened by the Saints’ system, which mostly relied on his receiving prowess. He was frequently a safety valve for whichever quarterback was behind center, and his 75 catches were the second-highest of his career. For fantasy managers who have him on their teams, Kamara’s contribution to the passing game was crucial, regardless of whether it was Derek Carr or Jameis Winston.
The Influence of Fantasy
Kamara maintained his status as a top fantasy option despite his career-low running totals because of his ability to make a substantial contribution in the passing game. It’s no minor accomplishment to finish as RB11, especially in light of the fact that many fantasy owners could have anticipated a drop given his on-field difficulties. Even in PPR (point-per-reception) systems, where his 75 receptions significantly increased his overall output, Kamara remained a valued asset.
Despite hardship, Kamara was able to maintain his relevance due to his ability as a dual-threat back. Even though he didn’t have the running yards he usually had, fantasy managers who relied on him for receptions were frequently rewarded with steady weekly performance.
What Will Happen to Alvin Kamara Next?
Looking ahead, the Saints’ offensive advancements will have a significant impact on Kamara’s fantasy worth. Now that Derek Carr is firmly established as the starting quarterback, the passing game may be more stable, which might improve Kamara’s receiving possibilities even more. To restore Kamara to his previous greatness as an all-around back, the club must fix its offensive line problems and provide him stronger running game help.
Although Kamara isn’t as much of a fantasy asset as he once was, he’s still a compelling choice, particularly in PPR formats. He will be useful as long as he is a mainstay of the passing game. Fantasy managers should, however, set reasonable expectations and be realistic about his chances of having a strong season in terms of running yards.
Alvin Kamara shown that, despite a decline in his rushing effectiveness, he is still a formidable player and one of the NFL’s most versatile running backs.
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