Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Austin Ekeler

Wednesday, September 3, 6:07 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said running back Alvin Kamara is "going to get the bulk of the work in the run game," and others will be ready to step up when there is an opportunity, according to ESPN's Erin Summers. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as Kamara has only Kendre Miller, who has yet to really prove anything in the NFL, and rookie Devin Neal behind him on the depth chart. Kamara is at the dreaded age of 30 for RBs, but the Saints don't really have another choice but to have the offense run through him. The volume should be there for Kamara, but how efficient will New Orleans' offense be under second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler running the show? Kamara has always been more valuable in PPR formats, and fantasy managers will be hoping for a lot of dumpoff passes in the flat from Rattler. Kamara is a high-upside RB2 heading into Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wednesday, September 3, 4:27 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option. During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.