GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are heavy favorites heading into its Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The spread currently favors Arizona by -6.5, as many experts predict New Orleans to finish near the bottom of the NFL standings. However, the Saints do possess one of the greatest highlight reel players in the game in running back Alvin Kamara, that could give the Cardinals some trouble.
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Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Why Kamra is so dangerous for Cardinals:
Kamara’s 543 receiving yards was the second most by a running back last season. The entire New Orleans offense is crafted for the 30-year-old. According to Sports Illustrated writer Shawn Childs, the Saints had the third-most catches and the most targets to a running back in the NFL last season.
Week 1 starting quarterback Spencer Rattler heavily relied on Kamara in starts in 2024. In the duo’s four games together last year, Kamara had 31 targets for 21 catches and 151 receiving yards. The five-time Pro Bowler is dangerous in open field, so if Rattler faces pressure in any way, he’ll dump the ball to Kamara in the flats to work his magic.
Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs in for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams but it is called back for man downfield during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Even entering his ninth season in the NFL, Kamara is still dangerous in the passing game. Injuries have hindered the former All-Pro second-teamer in recent years from reaching the same level of dominance as his Pro Bowl years. Regardless, his team has been sensational in season openers, winning the last six, with much of the credit given to Kamara.
Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The last matchup against the Cardinals was in 2022, Kamara had 49 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards in the 42-34 loss to Arizona. The Saints have a much different roster from its last meeting, but the lone reminisce of that team is Kamara, who will look to avenge the 2022 loss three years later.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
