Alvin Kamara (RB, NO) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in +12 PPR Leagues

OWNED IN: 45% of Yahoo leagues

ANALYSIS: The New Orleans Saints signed Adrian Peterson this past offseason in the hopes that he may experience the type of late-career renaissance Jamaal Charles appears headed towards in Denver. Unfortunately for both parties, that hasn’t been the results, as Peterson has seen very little action, but that has opened up a spot for rookie running back Alvin Kamara. The 22-year-old out of the University of Tennessee got some looks in the first three games of the season, but in New Orleans’ Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, he took a giant leap forward.

Playing in London on Sunday morning, Kamara recorded 25 yards on five carries, but made 10 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Thus far this season, he leads the team in yards per carry and is second in receptions, targets and receiving yards. In college, Kamara also was a frequent option for receptions, making him an excellent candidate to be one of the highly-coveted running backs with strong play in the air game.

While Kamara and the Saints are coming up on a bye week, he’s a player that should be taken this week before it’s too late. With a quarterback like Drew Brees leading his offense, the rookie has an excellent chance to form an effective, two-headed running game with Mark Ingram. Kamara will, in all probability, go over the 50% owned mark this week, so it may be the last chance to pick him up. With matchups against the Bears, Lions and Packers coming up, he’s poised to put up big numbers.