With the return of Jamaal Williams expected for tonight’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New Orleans Saints could potentially have one of the best running back tandems in the league between Williams and Alvin Kamara, but which one should you start on your fantasy football team? We’ll let you know which player is the right choice.
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Fantasy Outlook for Jamaal Williams This Week
The Saints signed Williams in the offseason to provide depth and help reduce the workload for Alvin Kamara. But after Kamara was suspended for the first three games of the season, Williams became the feature back in the Saints’ backfield. But that lasted just one week until Williams injured his hamstring and was forced to the injured reserve.
Williams was given a heavy workload in the season opener versus the Tennessee Titans, getting 20 touches for 52 yards. But since he got hurt during Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, there isn’t much of a sample size to go on from this season.
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One positive for those considering starting Williams is the fact that he has demonstrated the ability to be productive while sharing time as a running back in a committee. Last season with the Lions, Williams shared carries with D’Andre Swift and still managed to rush for over 1,000 yards and lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17.
He is not a big-play threat — only four runs of 20 or more yards last season — and the jury is still out as to how much of a receiver he is, with only 12 catches a season ago.
Fantasy Outlook for Alvin Kamara This Week
Since returning in Week 4, Kamara has certainly received plenty of touches. He’s had at least 24 touches in each of his three games since returning to the lineup. Only Josh Jacobs has more total touches since Week 4 than Kamara’s 75.
He is also averaging nearly 100 scrimmage yards per game (95.0) and has seen his scrimmage yards increase with each game this season, from 84 to 97 to 104. Jacobs is the only other running back to have at least 80 scrimmage yards in each game from Weeks 4 through 6.
Despite his high number of touches and yards, there are areas of caution with Kamara. While he is averaging nearly eight receptions a game (7.7), his yards per reception (3.7) is actually less than his yards per carry (3.8).
And in three games, Kamara has managed only one touchdown, which is unusually low for a player who once led the NFL in rushing/receiving touchdowns (21 in 2020).
Additionally, Kamara has generated the fewest rushing yards over expected (-201) in the NFL since 2021, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Which Saints RB Should You Start?
This is a tough spot for any Saints running back as the Jaguars possess the third-best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 75.3 rush YPG.
Assuming he’s 100 percent when he returns to the backfield, Williams figures to be given some carries in the backfield, especially around the goal line.
But Kamara looks like a player who is getting better each week, and with this being just his fourth game, he should still have fresh legs, even for a Thursday matchup.
With a short week, it would make sense for New Orleans to exploit both of its backs in this matchup, but Kamara’s trending up, so I’m fine going in that direction for this week.
