Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Cam Akers

Friday, January 2, 3:42 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has been ruled out for his team's Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell. Kamara suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 that will ultimately end up causing him to miss New Orleans' final six games of the season. Across 11 contests in 2025, the 30-year-old recorded 657 scrimmage yards and one touchdown on 164 touches. His 3.6 yards per carry and 4.0 yards per touch both represent career lows. With Kamara sidelined and Saints backs Kendre Miller (knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, New Orleans will likely split backfield work between Audric Estime and Evan Hull in Week 18, with tight end Taysom Hill possibly mixing in as well. Estime functioned as the team's lead back in Week 17, recording 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.

Sunday, January 25, 12:46 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Seattle Seahawks running backs George Holani and Cam Akers are expected to be used in backup roles in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, with some work expected for each player. Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so Kenneth Walker III will become Seattle's workhorse RB. Holani was just activated from Injured Reserve this week and last played in Week 12, so he most likely won't have a big change-of-pace role this weekend behind Walker. In 11 games during the regular season, Holani had only 22 rushing attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown. Akers didn't join the Seahawks until midseason, and he's still looking for his first carry with the team. Neither Holani nor Akers should be in fantasy playoff lineups.