Should I add Devin Neal in fantasy? How Alvin Kamara's injury impacts Saints RBs

Matt Sullivan

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Should I add Devin Neal in fantasy? How Alvin Kamara's injury impacts Saints RBs image

The New Orleans Saints have seen some odd fantasy production this season. Chris Olave has been a consistent player all year, while there's been a lot of inconsistency in the backfield between Alvin Kamara, Keandre Miller, and now Devin Neal.

But, during the Saints' Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Kamara went down with a knee injury and could now miss some time, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. While the length of his absence isn't known, even if it's just one week, his backup becomes a clear free agent target for fantasy managers

With Kamara out for some time, the Saints will need to turn to other players in their backfield. But, with Miller on Injured Reserve and Kamara out, there's only one realistic option for fantasy managers to target this week on waivers: rookie Devin Neal.

Why fantasy managers should add Saints RB Devin Neal off waivers

Neal is the Saints' new lead back, as the only other option in the backfield is former Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime. There's a clear top option in this backfield, and it's Neal.

The rookie running back is likely to get his first start in Week 13, and it comes in a solid matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who rank as the 23rd defense when it comes to allowing fantasy points to running backs this season.

Neal has gotten an uptick in usage the last few weeks with Miller done for the year and the Saints exploring their younger options amid a lost season.

Against the Falcons, Neal ran the ball seven times for only 18 yards. It's a poor performance, but when adding on his receiving totals, five receptions on seven targets for 43 yards, then Neal becomes a very intriguing fantasy option as long as Kamara is out.

More: Saints' Kellen Moore commits to Tyler Shough as rest-of-season starter

After his matchup against the Dolphins, Neal will face a weak Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in Week 14. If Kamara lands on Injured Reserve or misses three weeks, then Neal could be an option against the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.

While Neal might not be the best option for fantasy managers in Non-PPR leagues, in Full-PPR leagues, Neal is a must-add. While 10-team leagues might not have the room for Neal, in 12 teams or more, Neal is likely the best option on waivers this week.

With a lot of key teams on bye in Week 14, Neal could wind up being a huge addition for fantasy managers if Kamara misses more than one week.

Regardless of the length of absence for Neal, he's a priority for fantasy managers for Week 13's waiver cycle. Rarely does a starting running back become available off waivers, and even though it's not an ideal situation, it's one that's worth taking a chance on.

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Senior Editor