The New Orleans Saints have been a shaky team this season, especially when it comes to their running back room. Alvin Kamara has regressed and is hurt, while Keandre Miller and Devin Neal are out for the season.
Heading into a Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets, the Saints' running back room is one to take advantage of for fantasy purposes.
But, with Kamara likely out, and Neal and Miller out, who should fantasy managers pick up? There are two potential options: Audric Estime and Evan Hull. Fortunately, Saints insider Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football hinted at which RB will lead the backfield.
Audric Estime vs. Evan Hull: Who will lead Saints' backfield?
In response to a fan asking which running back in the Saints' backfield is expected to be the lead back in Week 16 against a weak Jets defense, Underhill said that it will be "probably Estime."
The former Notre Dame and Denver Broncos running back looks poised for a larger workload this week, and this comment from Underhill indicates that Estime will be the lead back over Hull.
Against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15, with Neal out for the game, Estime tallied three carries for 11 yards, while Hull had four for 12 yards. But in the passing game, Estime had three receptions for 39 yards awhile Hull didn't record a reception.
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On the season, Hull has 10 carries for 31 yards and one reception for six yards. Estime has six carries for 22 yards and three receptions for 39 yards.
Neither is a great option this week, but for fantasy managers in a pinch due to injuries or poor play, going with a Saints running back in a matchup against a leaky Jets defense makes sense.
Between the two running backs in New Orleans, there's a clear best option in Estime. He has more NFL experience than Hull, who's only in his second season, and he's also likely to be more involved in the passing game.
If fantasy managers have safer options, or don't want to take the risk, Estime can be left on benches. But, for those managers in a pinch and needing to decide which Saints running back to start, the answer is Estime.
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