When you hear the name Alvin Kamara, one thing comes to mind — reliability in chaos. For nearly a decade, the New Orleans Saints’ dynamic running back has been one of the most productive, efficient, and fantasy-friendly weapons in all of football. In 2025, Kamara enters his ninth NFL season with questions surrounding his durability, his team’s offensive outlook, and the wear and tear of a long career. But make no mistake — the fantasy ceiling is still sky-high.
A Season That Showed He Still Has It
Despite an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Kamara’s performance proved that he’s far from washed. In just 14 games, he handled 228 carries, just 12 shy of his career-high, and once again led all running backs in targets — a testament to how essential he remains in the passing game. Even with limited time on the field, he maintained his status as one of the most utilized dual-threat backs in the NFL.
What makes Kamara so valuable, especially in fantasy football, is his consistency in the receiving game. He has never finished lower than fifth among running backs in targets, and has consistently landed in the top 10 in both catches and receiving yards every single year. That kind of dependability is fantasy gold, particularly in PPR (points-per-reception) formats.
Kamara has also delivered when it counts for fantasy managers. He’s ranked eighth or better in fantasy points per game (PPG) in seven of his eight seasons, an incredible feat in a position that’s known for volatility. When healthy, he is a weekly starter with a safe floor and the upside to win you matchups.
But Father Time Is Knocking
Still, fantasy football isn’t just about past production. Age and durability matter — especially at running back.
Kamara hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year in 2017, and at 30 years old, there are valid concerns about how much longer his body can hold up. While 228 carries in 2024 might suggest that he’s still able to shoulder the workload, it’s important to remember that every year past 28 is considered “borrowed time” for most NFL running backs.
The fear isn’t necessarily that Kamara will be bad, but that he might become less available. That’s a scary proposition for fantasy managers investing early-round draft capital.
The Saints Offense: A Cloudy Forecast
Another factor complicating Kamara’s outlook is the state of the New Orleans Saints’ offense. With Derek Carr retiring, there’s a massive question mark at the quarterback position. Spencer Rattler currently leads the depth chart, but after going winless in six starts in 2024, confidence in his ability to consistently move the chains is low.
A struggling offense means fewer scoring opportunities and more stacked boxes, which can limit Kamara’s efficiency and red zone usage. If the Saints can’t stretch the field or control game flow, Kamara might find himself fighting uphill battles every week.
The Bright Side: Opportunity Is King
Even with the red flags, Kamara’s path to touches in 2025 remains incredibly clear. He doesn’t have serious competition in the Saints’ backfield, and the team will almost certainly lean on him as both a runner and a pass-catcher, especially while breaking in a young quarterback.
The Saints may not be an offensive juggernaut this season, but volume remains king in fantasy football — and Kamara is still positioned to be one of the few true three-down backs in the league. With his elite receiving profile and locked-in role, he offers a level of security that few other running backs can match, even in their prime.
Fantasy Outlook: Fringe RB1 With Risk
So, where should you take Kamara in fantasy drafts?
He’s unlikely to be a first-round pick anymore, and that’s okay. Kamara offers mid-to-late Round 2 value in most formats and can be an absolute steal if he stays healthy. He fits best as a fringe RB1, someone you pair with a safer, younger running back or elite wide receiver to balance out risk and reward.
Think of him like this: he may not be the shiny new toy anymore, but Kamara still has the potential to outscore many of the league’s “breakout” candidates — and he’s done it year after year.
Final Word: Don’t Count Him Out
It’s easy to overlook a veteran running back who’s entering his ninth NFL season on a team with major offensive question marks. But Alvin Kamara has earned more than just respect — he’s earned trust. Even in what could be a transition year for the Saints, Kamara’s workload, skillset, and experience make him one of the most intriguing players in fantasy football.
Draft him with eyes open to the risks — but don’t be shocked when he once again lands among the top names at his position. The Saints may be rebuilding, but Kamara still has one more elite chapter left to write.
