Former NFL running back and current NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew predicted New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara will catch 20 passes on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. This was a part of the network’s Week 13 bold predictions and that is definitely a bold call.
Only two players in league history have ever reached 20 catches in a game (Terrell Owens set the single-game record with 20 against the Bears in 2000; Brandon Marshall broke that record with 21 in a loss to the Colts in 2009). This likely won’t happen if only because Kamara will still be tasked with also running the ball.
Kamara’s career-high in catches and combined touches are 15 and 31. He’d have to eclipse that to make Jones-Drew’s bold prediction come true. Whether it comes true aside, his prediction speaks to the workload Kamara might have to see on Sunday. He caught 13 and 12 passes in games earlier this season, and injuries at wide receiver might force Derek Carr to funnel even more targets Kamara’s way.
Jamaal Williams hasn’t seen much work since returning from injured reserve and the Saints are down some receivers. 20 catches might be extreme, but the offense very well could run through Alvin Kamara versus the Lions.
