Alvin Kamara vs Michael Carter
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Alvin Kamara by 0.7 projected points (3.2 vs 2.5), close enough that either call is defensible.
Alvin Kamara faces LV, the 12th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Michael Carter faces NYG, the 31st-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Alvin Kamara by 4.9 points of value over replacement (-83.1 vs -88.1), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market hasn't priced this matchup yet, so treat it as a pure model call.
| Alvin KamaraNOR | Michael CarterTEN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | LV | NYG | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 3.2 | 2.5 | Kamara +0.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #12 | #31 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 53.4 | 48.5 | Kamara +4.9 pts |
| Points per game | 3.1 | 2.9 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -83.1 | -88.1 | Kamara +4.9 |
| Overall rank | #164 | #170 | Kamara by 6 |
| Position rank | RB52 | RB55 | |
| Market ADP | 148.7 | - | |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 13 | - | |
| Bye week | 8 | 9 |
Should I start Alvin Kamara or Michael Carter in Week 3?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Alvin Kamara by 0.7 projected points (3.2 vs 2.5), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Alvin Kamara or Michael Carter in 2026 fantasy football?
Alvin Kamara. He projects 53.4 fantasy points with -83.1 value over replacement, vs 48.5 points and -88.1 for Michael Carter (RB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.