Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Jaylen Warren

Friday, December 19, 2:32 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the open portion of Friday's practice, signifying a near certainty that he will miss his fourth consecutive game. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Saints' backfield will now be led by second and third-year runners Audric Estime and Evan Hull. With Neal prematurely exiting the team's Week 15 win over the Panthers, it was Estime who out-snapped and out-touched Hull. Although Hull's calling card coming out of college was his receiving ability, it was also Estime who saw three targets to Hull's zero. It's always risky relying on in-game adjustments to predict how a backfield will be split with a full week of preparation, but Estime appears to be the New Orleans running back with the most value heading into a favorable Week 16 matchup with the Jets. Still, it should come as no surprise if Hull is worked in more as the team's dedicated passing back.

Saturday, December 20, 12:44 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was outshined by teammate Kenneth Gainwell last week but will look to get back on track against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Detroit has been much stronger defensively against the run than the pass this season, but it has softened up a bit as of late. The Lions have surrendered 4.2 yards per carry and over 20 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks. With this contest projected for a healthy amount of points, fantasy managers should look to start offensive pieces on both sides. Even if Pittsburgh continues to take a hot-hand approach in the backfield, Warren should see enough volume on the ground to provide fantasy value while offering touchdown upside. The 27-year-old checks in as the RB28 in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings and should be viewed as a high-end flex play.