Kendre Miller’s workload with the New Orleans Saints is increasing as injuries to fellow running backs open the door for more opportunities ahead of their Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Miller carried the ball four times for 14 yards in the Saints’ Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and caught two passes for five yards on three targets. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, fantasy football analysts see promise in Miller’s potential role expanding after De’Von Achane suffered a season-ending knee injury and Travis Etienne was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Patrick Daugherty of Rotoworld pointed out that Miller is currently rostered in only 24 percent of Sleeper leagues, which could make him an attractive stash option for fantasy managers.
In Week 1, Miller posted a 9-30-1 rushing line against the Detroit Lions and is expected to split carries with Alvin Kamara. Kamara, however, has struggled with a 2.8 yards per carry average on 18 attempts this season and his role as a pass-catcher has also been underwhelming, with six receptions for a total of 12 yards. Those numbers cast doubt on Kamara’s reliability, which could give Miller more chances to prove himself in the Saints’ backfield.
The Saints offense is averaging 27 points per game and ranks eighth in yards per game at 382.7, suggesting that Miller will be operating in a productive system. This environment might provide him with opportunities to contribute both on the ground and through the air as the team navigates injuries.
Miller’s rise comes amid a challenging landscape for other running backs facing injuries or inconsistent production. For example, Jacory Croskey-Merritt of Washington has seen his fantasy stock dip after a strong Week 1, with just 79 scoreless yards on 31 carries in the following games. Croskey-Merritt’s struggles against the Colts’ defensive front and limited involvement in the passing game have kept him on the fringe of fantasy relevance.
On the receiving side, other players have seen shifts in opportunity due to injury or team strategy. The Green Bay Packers’ Matthew Golden has benefited from his team’s poor rushing attack, leading to a high target share as the Packers prioritize passing. He has amassed 30 targets through three games, ranking fifth among receivers, and is positioned for more volume against Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin faces a difficult stretch without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is sidelined with a thumb injury. Rookie Jalon Daniels will start in Week 4, complicating Godwin’s outlook. Godwin’s production has stalled early in the season, and his low targets per route run rate ranks near the bottom among receivers with significant playing time.
Returning to the Saints, the path for Miller’s increased involvement seems clear. With Achane out and Etienne sidelined, New Orleans’ backfield is thin. Miller’s current role may not yet be prominent, but the next few weeks could see him handling a larger share of the carries and targets. His upcoming matchup with the Falcons offers fantasy managers a chance to evaluate how much the Saints will lean on him during this stretch.
According to Yahoo Sports.
