Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or De'Von Achane

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 4, 3:43 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. Achane finishes his third NFL season with a career-high 1,350 rushing yards. He also logged 67 catches, 488 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns while ranking as the overall RB5 in full-PPR scoring to this point. We expect second-year back Jaylen Wright to earn more snaps with Achane sidelined. Wright had 24 carries, 107 rushing yards, and one touchdown against the Jets in Week 14, and he also found the end zone in Week 16 versus Cincinnati. New England has a very strong run defense, but Wright still ranks as a volume-based RB2 for fantasy football.