Is Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Or Kendre Miller The Saints RB1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The New Orleans Saints had a disappointing 2022 season, ending the year with a 7-10 record. New Orleans struggled with inconsistent quarterback play.

Thankfully, the team fixed that problem this offseason. The Saints signed Derek Carr to a four-year deal worth $150 million. However, he wasn’t the only offensive addition this offseason.

New Orleans also signed Jamaal Williams to a three-year deal worth $12 million to pair with Alvin Kamara in the backfield. The Saints then used a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Kendre Miller.

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What Did The Saints Running Backs Accomplish Last Year?

Kamara has been a fantasy superstar since his rookie season. However, his numbers have slipped over the past few years. The veteran running back had 223 rushing attempts for 897 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Unfortunately, the two rushing touchdowns were a career low.

Meanwhile, Williams had no trouble finding the end zone last season. After totaling 13 rushing touchdowns over the first five years of his career, the veteran running back had 17 last year. Not only did he set a career-high, but Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns while breaking the Detroit Lions’ franchise record.

While the two veterans were focal points of their team’s rushing attack last year, Miller played a critical role in TCU’s successful 2022 season. The former Horned Frog has 224 rushing attempts for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns. He finished second in the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns, only behind Texas’ Bijan Robinson.

Who Will Be The Top Running For The Saints In 2023?

New Orleans’ backfield is full of talent but also lacks clarity. The Saints are preparing for Kamara to miss time this year from an off-the-field incident in February 2022. Many believe the team drafted Miller because of Kamara’s incoming suspension.

However, the Saints didn’t sign Williams to a significant contract this offseason to sit on the bench and watch. The veteran running back is coming off a career year and showed he can be a starter in the NFL. When Kamara gets suspended, Williams and Miller will see their workload increase.

Thankfully, the veteran running back won’t get suspended for the entire season. Many believe Kamara will miss 6-8 games for the off-the-field incident in February 2022. Once the veteran returns to the team, fantasy players should expect the backfield to become a running back-by-committee situation. Fantasy players should avoid drafting anyone in New Orleans’ backfield this year if possible.

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