Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Tre Tucker

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, December 28, 7:57 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was primed to emerge as the Raiders' lead pass catcher in Week 17, but was held to five receptions for 49 yards off his six targets in a 34-10 loss to the New York Giants. Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was placed on IR following Week 16, and rookie wide receiver Jack Bech (back) was ruled out Sunday afternoon, which should have opened the path for more opportunities for Tucker. However, quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) was under pressure all afternoon, and the passing attack primarily went through tight end Michael Mayer. Still, Tucker earned the most targets out of the Raiders' wide receiver room and is solidly the team's WR1. Tucker has a bottom-10 matchup ahead of him in Week 18 against AFC West rivals the Kansas City Chiefs. The third-year wide-out is firmly in WR3/Flex territory as the 2025 season draws to a close.