Audric Estime vs Kimani Vidal: Who Should You Start?
Audric Estime and Kimani Vidal are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Audric Estime averaged 6.0 PPG across 7 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Kimani Vidal posted 8.5 PPG in 13 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers.
A 2.5-PPG gap gives Kimani Vidal 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. Audric Estime ran for 198 yards and 1 touchdowns; Kimani Vidal posted 643 and 3. 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: Audric Estime sits Week 12 while Kimani Vidal is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
