The season began differently than it ended for New Orleans Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara started the year as the third-string rusher in New Orleans behind Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson. He was barely used off the bench in the Saints first four games of the season. That all changed after the team traded away Peterson in its Week 5 bye week to the Arizona Cardinals.
Will Alvin Kamara be promoted to starter in 2018?
The Saints multi-threat rookie rusher eyes a bigger role in the backfield next season.
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Kamara instantly made an impact when he moved to the backup running back in Week 6. The third-round pick had at least 11 touches and 76 total yards in every game after the bye week, except in Week 14 when he suffered a concussion and was forced out of the game early against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kamara ended his rookie year with 728 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 120 carries and 81 catches for 826 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara led the league in most yards per rushing attempt, averaging 6 yards per carry. He was also second in most touchdowns and third in total yards this season.
Looking ahead to 2018
2017 was a great year for Kamara, and 2018 could be even better. Kamara is currently the backup rusher in New Orleans. We may see him eclipse Ingram for the starting role next season. The 67th overall pick will also get his first full season of action in 2018. He will certainly have more opportunities in the Saints offense going forward.
Fantasy slant
Kamara will be one of the first running backs to come off most fantasy boards in 2018. He will definitely be a top-five pick across all leagues. Kamara’s dual-threat abilities make him a fantasy stud across all formats.
