The New Orleans Saints have what could be the best running back room in the league when all participants are healthy, but that might not be conductive to fantasy football success.
Josh Larkey, of The 33rd Team, recently released his rankings of the top 25 fantasy football running backs for the 2023 season and no member of the Saints room made the list. Now, Alvin Kamara would normally be near the top but his looming suspension made him top out as an honorable mention this time around. This was Larkey’s reasoning:
There is uncertainty about Alvin Kamara’s suspension, though all indications are that it will happen sometime during the 2023 NFL Season. At times last season, Kamara had one of the best roles in all of fantasy, as he averaged 15 carries and nearly four receptions per game. However, he’s 28, and the New Orleans Saints signed veteran Jamaal Williams and drafted rookie Kendre Miller in Round 3.
New quarterback Derek Carr could elevate this offense, and the offensive line still looks strong on paper. Kamara could firmly cement himself into the top-25 after more clarity is gained surrounding the suspension and his 2023 role. Until then, he falls just outside my top-25.
There’s an argument to be made for Kendre Miller if you’re in a dynasty league, but for this season it makes sense to skip him in the draft and watch him on the wires. Jamaal Williams, coming off of a record-setting touchdown season, is actually a sleep pick for fantasy this season. He’ll not only have be the focal point for the offense when Kamara gets suspended in terms of running, but someone will need to pick up the slack in the receiving game. All reports point to Williams making pass catching a top priority this offseason, which could mean good things in a PPR league.
