Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Jahmyr Gibbs

Thursday, December 25, 8:56 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) was an estimated non-participant in Thursday's practice as the Saints prepare to face the Tennessee Titans. Kamara suffered a knee injury and an ankle injury on an ugly hip-drop tackle in Week 12, which has caused him to miss the previous four games. With Kamara not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, he seems unlikely to play in Week 17, and at this point, with the postseason out of play, he is unlikely to play in Week 18 as well. With Kendre Miller (ACL) and Devin Neal (hamstring) on the season-ending injured reserve list, the Saints will rely on Audric Estime, Evan Hull, and veteran tight end Taysom Hill to carry the workload against the Titans. Last week, Hill led the team in carries with 12, and with Kamara trending toward another absence in Week 17, he should be a must-start TE against the Titans.

Wednesday, December 24, 8:29 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.