The New Orleans Saints are heading into Week 16 with a serious question mark in the backfield. With Alvin Kamara sidelined and Devin Neal also ruled out, the depth chart has thinned out fast-and the team is now leaning on a pair of young, unproven backs to carry the load.
So, who's getting the nod as the lead back?
Right now, it looks like a two-man race between Evan Hull and Audric Estime. Neither has a clear edge, and both are coming off light workloads-Hull logged four carries last week, Estime had three. It’s not much, but it’s enough to suggest that the Saints are preparing to see who can seize the opportunity.
Hull, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Northwestern, started his NFL journey with the Colts before landing in New Orleans. Estime, meanwhile, was taken in the fifth round of the 2024 draft out of Notre Dame by the Broncos.
Now, both find themselves in a pivotal moment-not just for the Saints, but for their NFL futures. These are the kinds of games that can change a career trajectory.
Head coach Kellen Moore hasn’t tipped his hand about how the workload will be split. He’s kept things close to the vest, only noting that the coaching staff feels confident in the plan to support both backs. That likely means we’re looking at a hot-hand approach-whoever is moving the chains will keep getting touches.
And that makes sense. With rookie quarterback Tyler Shough still finding his footing, the Saints will want to keep the offense on schedule and take pressure off his shoulders. A productive run game would go a long way in helping Shough settle in, especially against a Jets team that’s had its share of struggles.
From a fantasy football standpoint, though, this backfield is a tough nut to crack. Unless you’re in a deep league or dealing with a serious injury crunch, it’s hard to trust either Hull or Estime in your lineup. There’s just too much uncertainty.
If there’s one angle to keep an eye on, it might be Estime’s size. At 227 pounds, he’s got a more physical frame than Hull (209 pounds), which could give him the edge in short-yardage or goal-line situations. But again, that’s more of a guess than a guarantee.
Bottom line: the Saints’ running back situation is wide open heading into Week 16. It’s a big opportunity for Hull and Estime, and a big question mark for everyone else.