Saints fantasy position groups: Running Backs

Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray will once again lead what is one of the best one-two punches in the NFL in terms of running backs. They will be joined this year by the versatile Ty Montgomery, who has played both running back and wide receiver in his career but is currently listed as a running back on most fantasy sites. So how should each be treated in the upcoming fantasy season?

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Alvin Kamara

Kamara had a disappointing fantasy year last season (by his standards) at first glance, but if you analyze his year based on the circumstances, I see no reason to believe he will not improve from last season. Kamara is currently projected as the RB5, behind Dalvin Cook and ahead of Derrick Henry, and the #6 player overall on ESPN.com.

I believe this rating as a top five RB is pretty fair but could see him dropping out of the top five if players such as Henry or Nick Chubb were to continue to perform as elite backs as they did last season. Kamara should be a late first-round pick in most leagues, especially those using Point per Reception (PPR) scoring.

Kamara’s ranking for dynasty leagues should not change at all. He is still in the prime of his career along with the other four running backs rated ahead of him.

Position Ranking: RB5

ADP: 6-8

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Latavius Murray

Murray is entering his second season in New Orleans and proved to be a more than capable second option for the Saints last year. In the two games that Kamara missed, Murray scored 28.5 and 31.5 points. He was one of the better handcuffs in the NFL and should still be treated as such.

Murray is currently rated as the RB43, behind players like Matt Breida but ahead of players such as Tevin Coleman. I would move him up a bit into the late 30s with other strong #2 options such as Tarik Cohen and Damien Williams. He is will shouldn’t be worth starting in a majority of leagues unless Kamara misses time, but should still be worth a bench spot as a handcuff or if he moves into a more active role in the offense this year similar to how Mark Ingram was used.

For dynasty however, Murray’s value is much less than single year. Murray just turned 30-years old this year and will most likely never be a feature back again.

Position Ranking: RB38

ADP: 133-137

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Ty Montgomery

New free agent signee Montgomery is an interesting case from a fantasy perspective. He is coming off a year in which he only scored 19.5 PPR fantasy points despite playing in all 16 games. However, the New York Jets offense isn’t even in the same league as New Orleans, and poor play all around, as well as injuries at key positions in New York took their toll on most players fantasy scoring for the Jets.

Montgomery is currently unranked on most sites, but you can never completely write-off someone this versatile in a Sean Payton offense. Coach Payton has a history of heavily using pass catching backs from Reggie Bush to Darren Sproles and currently Kamara. Montgomery will most likely be used in this role as he is a former WR, but the only question is how much?

It is still to early to tell but the last time Montgomery was in an above-average offense, he tallied over 800 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs for the Packers in 2016. Montgomery is not worth a draft pick as he is too much of a question mark, but he is definitely a player to keep an eye on should he become a regular part of the Saints offense or should either Kamara or Murray miss any time.

Position Ranking: Unranked

ADP: N/A

What do you think of fantasy outlook of the Saints RBs? Do you think Ty Montgomery will become a regular in the Saints offense? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @HaydenReel.