The New Orleans Saints enter Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season with a dramatically altered backfield — and Audric Estime has suddenly become a name fantasy managers can’t ignore. With key injuries and changing depth charts, Estime’s role is expanding, offering intriguing fantasy upside in a must-win week for many leagues.
Saints Injury Report & Backfield Breakdown
The biggest factor shaping Estime’s opportunity is the current injury landscape for the Saints’ running backs:
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Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) has been ruled OUT for Week 16 after not practicing since Week 12.
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Devin Neal (hamstring) exited in Week 15 and is also officially out this week.
With both starters unavailable, Estime and Evan Hull are positioned to shoulder the workload against the New York Jets. According to beat writers, Estime is likely to start if both Kamara and Neal are unavailable.
Veteran pass-catch back Nyheim Hines may play on passing downs, but the volume is likely to skew toward Estime and Hull — giving Estime a path to meaningful touches in Week 16.
Audric Estime: From Depth Chart to Fantasy Spotlight
Once buried on the Saints’ practice squad, Estime’s opportunity surged in Week 15:
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He rushed 3 times for 11 yards and caught all three of his targets for 39 yards after Neal’s injury.
That performance has sparked optimism from fantasy analysts and waiver wire rankings, particularly in deeper leagues where Estime was previously unrostered.
Fantasy Outlook for Week 16
With Kamara and Neal sidelined, Estime’s fantasy value explodes into the conversation. Here’s how pundits are viewing his role:
FLEX / RB3 Potential – Most fantasy outlets peg Estime as a flex option with upside. His receiving usage adds floor in PPR formats.
Matchup Matters – The Jets’ run defense ranks poorly, allowing high fantasy output to backs this year — a factor that boosts Estime’s appeal.
Work-Split Watch – While Estime may lead the backfield this week, a volume split with Hull and usage by quarterback Tyler Shough could cap ceiling for RB1 managers.
Start/Sit Advice
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Start Estime in most PPR leagues if Kamara and Neal are out — especially as a flex with receiving upside.
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Sit in Standard formats unless you’re desperate; the workload may not be consistent enough for reliable RB1 points.
Why Week 16 Could Be Big for Estime
Several factors make this game a key moment for Estime:
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New Orleans faces a lax Jets run defense, historically generous to backs and fantasy scoring.
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Estime’s pass-catching usage in his limited snaps immediately adds value teams might not expect from a depth runner.
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Depth chart movement — including Kamara’s continued absence — offers Estime a rare chance to shine on a larger stage and potentially improve his future role.
Final Takeaway
Audric Estime’s Week 16 profile has shifted from fringe bench stash to a viable fantasy option due to injury-driven opportunity and matchup dynamics. While his ultimate production hinge on volume and game script, Estime represents a compelling waiver-wire pickup and flex play in the fantasy playoffs.
Bottom Line: In leagues where Estime is available, add him now. If you’re starting him — prioritize PPR formats and aggressive league formats where receptions and touchdown equity matter most.
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