Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or J.K. Dobbins

Sunday, August 17, 1:06 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is not suiting up for the team's second preseason game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Erin Summers of ESPN. Kamara was seen doing pre-game workouts with the rest of the team, but it's the second straight preseason game in which he will not play. Rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) also will sit out, which means the Saints will roll forward against the Jags with Kendre Miller, Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in their backfield. It remains to be seen if Kamara will play in the preseason finale next Saturday against the Denver Broncos. The 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler should be a workhorse once again in head coach Kellen Moore's offense. Kamara has had at least 47 catches in his eight-year career, but he's never rushed for 1,000 yards on the ground. RotoBaller has him ranked as the RB20 in fantasy heading into the 2025 season.

Saturday, August 16, 11:27 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins could be in line to earn the starting running back job ahead of Week 1. Head coach Sean Payton said that the Broncos' starters would not play in their second preseason game. R.J. Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin both played, while Dobbins suited up but did not see the field. Assuming Payton's declaration about his starters was accurate, Dobbins would be in line to start Week 1. Despite the Broncos drafting Harvey in the second round, we shouldn't be too shocked that the job is Dobbins' to lose. Denver specifically went out and signed him in early June, giving him a $5.25 million contract that was likely reflective of his expected role in the offense. The veteran running back exceeded expectations last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns through 13 games. He was the overall RB23 in half-PPR leagues despite missing four contests, and he ranked 17th in fantasy points on a per-game basis. With Denver's offense expected to be productive and consistently operate with a positive game script this year, Dobbins should continue to deliver results for fantasy managers. Harvey does pose a threat to steal touches, but the 26-year-old remains a strong fantasy option. He enters the year as a mid-range RB3/FLEX play.