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The New Orleans Saints clearly want to keep Alvin Kamara fresh for the stretch run and into the postseason. Because of this, we’ve seen more of a split in the backfield between Kamara and Latavius Murray, though it hasn’t really negatively impacted either RB in fantasy football. If anything, it’s made Murray a viable option week in and week out, plus doesn’t hamper the performances of Kamara. Let’s take a look at how to approach both of them for Thursday night’s game vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
Fantasy Football Analysis: New Orleans Saints running backs
So it’s pretty simple. Play both of them. Kamara isn’t getting as many touches on the ground, but continues to see a heavy amount of targets in the passing game each week. He has at least eight catches in the past three games coming off the bye week and appears to be fully healthy. Kamara was held mostly in check by the Falcons a few weeks ago, rushing for 24 yards but adding eight catches for 50 yards (15.4 fantasy points). This gives us a taste of what Kamara’s floor is like.
Murray on the other hand was more valuable when Kamara was sidelined, but still has value as a goal line back and in tough yardage situations. Murray posted 64 yards and a TD against the Panthers in Week 12 and has seen at least five carries in three games with Kamara back. Atlanta’s defense had looked better, but just got torched by the Bucs, so I think both Murray and Kamara are fine plays.
Start/Sit Recommendation
Kamara: Must-start.
Murray: RB2 in standard, FLEX in PPR.