Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, September 6, 10:26 AM

It's no surprise that New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is locked in as the Saints' lead back ahead of Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal. Despite coaching changes, offensive line struggles, and shaky quarterback play, Kamara has averaged over 1,440 total yards and 10 touchdowns per season across eight years. The Saints' offense is likely to run through him, with Kamara handling the bulk of carries and seeing heavy involvement in the passing game. At 30, he enters the "dreaded" age for running backs, and it remains to be seen if his production as a pass-catcher will start to decline. With second-year QB Spencer Rattler under center, the offense as a whole is questionable, but Kamara profiles as a high-upside RB2 for Week 1 against the Cardinals.

Monday, September 8, 8:44 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III enjoyed a breakout game in Week 1 and emerged as the team's No. 2 option in the passing game. During the offseason, Austin was competing for the No. 2 role alongside Roman Wilson and veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek. However, during the victory over the Jets on Sunday afternoon, Austin was clearly deployed as the second option to DK Metcalf. In this game, Austin saw six targets (only one fewer than Metcalf) and was able to bring in four of them for 70 yards and a touchdown. The 26-year-old found the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter on an 18-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Seeing Austin receive five more targets than Skowronek, and Wilson not receiving any, suggests that the team views Austin as their No. 2 WR. As a result, managers in 3-WR leagues should look to target him off the waiver wire as he could hold WR3/flex value going forward.