Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) hands the ball off to running back Alvin Kamara (41) during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
It’s always hard to believe that New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has yet to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing in a single season throughout his career. You’d never realize it because he topped 1,300 total yards in each of his first six seasons, clearing the 1,500-yard mark in three of those years.
But alas, it’s the truth. That could change this year with new head coach Kellen Moore calling the shots.
My bold prediction for this week is that the ninth-year running back will amass 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2025. Kamara would be the first 1,000-yard rusher for the Saints since Mark Ingram’s 1,124 yards rushing in 2017.
Kellen Moore’s Offense Lends Itself To Kamara’s Running Game
While Kamara may not be the inside-the-tackles bruiser, he is a back that benefits from yards before contact. So if the Saints’ offensive line improves in its new scheme, that should help to keep Kamara’s rushing production up from last year.
In 2025, came just 50 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark. He would have passed the total were it not for a late season injury that forced him to miss the final three games.
Moore’s offenses have produced a 1,000-yard rusher every year but twice. In 2020, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott scampered for 978 while in 2023, Los Angeles Chargers back Austin Ekeler led the way with just 628. Outside of that, every year since 2019, Moore’s backs have met the mark.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley last year went off for 2,005 rushing yards. That level of production is not expected to be replicated in New Orleans.
Moore’s offensive scheme will create a versatile, multiple rushing attack that should play well into Kamara’s game. That will allow him to utilize his patience and vision behind the offensive line, while still being a threat in space when attacking the edges of the defense. Kamara is going to be a focal point in this year’s offense, which should propel his rushing totals.
Young Quarterbacks Bolster Opportunity
There is a lot of faith in both passers that are competing to become the next starter in New Orleans. But with any young quarterback, the run game is going to be an emphasis. Taking the pressure off of the signal caller can have a great impact and Kamara will be the benefactor.
Kamara didn’t need a career high in carries to get closest he’s been to the highly-pursued season total, but he may have more opportunities in 2025.
The 17th Game
This will be the fifth seasons since the 17th game was implemented in the NFL, but it is still a factor when it comes to trying to eclipse certain statistical targets for players. In this case, it’s a perfect benefit.
Kamara would need to average just 59 rushing yards per game to pass the 1,000-yard total for the season, should he appear in all 17 matches. He’s done so in four of his last five seasons including his second-best 67.9 rushing yards per game last year. The caveat is that he’s not appeared in 16 games in a season since his rookie year.
The total is attainable thanks to the situation around him, but staying healthy and on the field will be paramount. If Kamara can do so in 2025, the door is wide open for him to finally eclipse that stubbornly elusive yardage total
