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Alvin Kamara 2022 NFL Player Outlook: Veteran Discount If Able To Avoid Suspension
2 years agoNew Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is a household name, having fantasy finishes of RB10, RB1, RB9, RB4, and RB3 over his five-year career. However, the 27-year-old was arrested in February on felony battery charges from an incident during the Pro Bowl weekend in Las Vegas. The NFL continues to review the case for Kamara, but there is no firm timeline on a decision for the star running back. There is still a chance Kamara could be suspended this season as the NFL continues its investigation. The hearing has been pushed back three times this year, and it's unclear if or when Kamara will be suspended. Now, heading into next season, Kamara is being drafted as the RB10. In order to fill the head coaching vacancy caused by Sean Payton's sudden retirement this offseason, the Saints promoted their defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, to head coach. However, since they still retained their offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael, who's been the Saints' OC since 2009, I expect an offense reasonably close to what we've seen in past years. Some people may knock Kamara down draft boards for his recent changes at quarterback and head coach, but he's been able to produce with many different QBs, and this offense should look similar to what we're used to. Last season, Kamara played six games with Jameis Winston, averaging 20.2 PPR PPG. Furthermore, in 2019, Kamara played five games with Teddy Bridgewater, averaging 17.2 PPR PPG. Finally, in Kamara's seven career games where Taysom Hill was the starter, he averaged 15.3 PPR PPG. Since New Orleans signed Andy Dalton as Winston's backup this offseason, I don't expect Hill to get any meaningful reps at QB in 2022, which is excellent for Kamara's fantasy value. So, if there are only 8-9 RBs each season who can average 17+ PPR PPG, Kamara is being drafted at his floor. If he can maintain the 20+ PPR PPG pace with Winston from last season, Kamara should have no issues returning to top-5 status again in 2022. As a guaranteed workhorse and major receiving threat in an offense looking to take a massive leap this season, Kamara is an excellent value at his current ADP of RB10 if he is able to avoid a lengthy suspension.
