5 NFL Stats to Know Through Week 1

Alvin Kamara Led All Players With 43.1 PPR Points in Week 1

In the absence of the suspended Mark Ingram, it was anticipated that second-year running back Alvin Kamara would become even more of a focal point of the New Orleans Saints' offense. That was exactly the case in Week 1 as Kamara put forth a stunning performance in the Saints 48-40 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kamara attempted only 8 rushing attempts, which garnered 29 yards on the ground, but he was able to score 2 rushing touchdowns. It was as a receiver that Kamara did most of his damage, corralling 9 of his 12 targets for 112 yards and a score. For good measure, he also added a two-point conversion. Kamara's eight attempts were good for the most on the team, with Mike Gillislee managing just three (one of which he fumbled). Kamara's 12 targets were second-most on the team, behind the 17 passes Drew Brees sent the way of Michael Thomas.

Kamara is one of only three running backs to manage a 40-point fantasy game (PPR scoring) in Week 1 of a season since 1999. Arian Foster did it for the Houston Texans back in 2010, while Kareem Hunt amassed 40.60 points in his NFL debut last season.

It's not realistic to expect Kamara to do this every week until Ingram returns, but he's got another juicy matchup in Week 2. Next up for Kamara and the Saints is a clash with the Cleveland Browns, who allowed 192 yards from scrimmage to James Conner last week.