Alvin Kamara vs Kenneth Walker: Who Should You Start?
Alvin Kamara and Kenneth Walker are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Alvin Kamara averaged 7.7 PPG across 11 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Kenneth Walker posted 10.4 PPG in 17 appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs.
A 2.7-PPG gap gives Kenneth Walker the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Alvin Kamara ran for 471 yards and 1 touchdowns; Kenneth Walker posted 1027 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Alvin Kamara sits Week 12 while Kenneth Walker is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
