The Daily Blitz: Alvin Kamara

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Tuesday, August 29, 2023

New Orleans Saints 2023 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2023 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Derek Carr	512.3	331.5	3688.6	23.05	11.27	32.1	104.3	0.71	231.89
Jameis Winston	33.4	20.5	247.2	1.6	1.04	4.4	15	0.09	16.25

Derek Carr: Carr was fantasy's QB15 through Week 16 before being benched in Week 17 by Josh McDaniels last year. Now in New Orleans, Carr improves the outlook for the team's pass catchers (as an upgrade over Andy Dalton), but he remains little more than a solid QB2 in fantasy football. Since 2014, he has finished in the QB13-QB20 range every year except 2016 (QB10).

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	151.3	643	3.63	47.6	392.2	2.5	164.1
Jamaal Williams	149	610.9	4.54	23.2	171	1.1	123.63
Kendre Miller	64.2	279.3	1.48	16	120.7	0.7	61.08
Adam Prentice	3	8.3	0.08	2.5	18.1	0.1	4.97

Alvin Kamara: Eligible to play in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kamara will serve a lighter-than-expected three-game suspension to start the season. Kamara's production has dipped over the past two seasons — averaged only 3.9 YPC, rushed for half as many touchdowns (six) as "tight end" Taysom Hill (12) with a total of only 104 receptions after finishing with 80-plus in each of his first four seasons. Even so, he has finished as the RB16 (2022) and RB8 (2021) on a PPG basis (half-PPR).

Jamaal Williams: Coming off a career season, Williams carried the ball 262 times for 1,066 yards and a league-high 17 touchdowns. As long as both Kamara and Williams are active (after Kamara's three-game suspension), he'll be a complementary option to Kamara, but Williams could get the larger share of valuable goal-line opportunities.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Chris Olave	80.8	1126.3	6.7	0	0	0	193.23
Michael Thomas	59.4	659.7	4.2	0	0	0	120.87
Rashid Shaheed	36.6	462.6	2.8	5.3	47.7	0.4	88.53
Tre'quan Smith	14	173	1.1	0	0	0	30.9
A.T. Perry	2.9	38.2	0.2	0	0	0	6.47
Keith Kirkwood	2.2	30.2	0.2	0	0	0	5.32
Kirk Merritt	1.1	14.1	0.1	0	0	0	2.56

Chris Olave: Olave finished his outstanding rookie season with 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns. While he missed two games last season, he never finished with fewer than three receptions or 40 yards in the 15 games he played. The second-year receiver should benefit from the upgrade at quarterback and could take a big step forward in 2023.

Michael Thomas: From 2016 to 2019, Thomas posted better numbers in each successive season — 92/1,137/9, 104/1,245/5, 125/1,405/9 and 149/1,725/9, respectively. Since then, however, he has appeared in only 10 games over three seasons and totaled 56 catches for 609 yards and three touchdowns during that span. Few receivers have a wider range of potential outcomes than Thomas, who is entering his age-30 season.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Juwan Johnson	42.9	482.7	3.2	0	0	0	88.92
Taysom Hill	9.3	100.6	0.7	49.3	271.2	2.47	64.138
Foster Moreau	18.9	217.2	1.4	0	0	0	39.57
Jimmy Graham	1.8	16.1	0.2	0	0	0	3.71

Juwan Johnson: Johnson had a career season with 42 catches for 508 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022. Depending on how much the Saints get from Michael Thomas, it may be difficult to repeat those numbers this season. Then again, Johnson and Carr have quickly established chemistry and he should be drafted as a high-upside TE2.

Taysom Hill: Hill will throw a few passes and catch a few, but most of his fantasy production will come from his rushing production. Over the past three seasons, he has a total of 253 carries for 1,406 yards (5.6 Y/A) and 20 touchdowns.

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Saturday, August 5, 2023

New Orleans Saints 2023 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2023 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Derek Carr	517	334.5	3696.6	23.01	11.37	32	104	0.7	231.76
Jameis Winston	30.6	18.8	226.4	1.47	0.95	4.3	14.6	0.09	15.04

Derek Carr: Carr was fantasy's QB15 through Week 16 before being benched in Week 17 by Josh McDaniels last year. Now in New Orleans, Carr improves the outlook for the team's pass catchers (as an upgrade over Andy Dalton), but he remains a solid QB2 in fantasy football. Since 2014, he has finished in the QB13-QB20 range every year except 2016 (QB10).

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	153.3	651.5	3.68	47.5	388.8	2.5	164.86
Jamaal Williams	146.5	600.7	4.47	23.1	169.5	1.1	121.99
Kendre Miller	64.1	278.8	1.47	16	119.6	0.7	60.86
Adam Prentice	3	8.3	0.08	2.7	19.9	0.1	5.25

Alvin Kamara: Fantasy managers now have clarity about Kamara's suspension (a negotiated settlement of three games), a positive development given it could have been twice as long. Over the past two seasons, Kamara has averaged only 3.9 YPC, rushed for half as many touchdowns as "tight end" Taysom Hill and had a total of only 104 receptions after finishing with 80-plus in each of his first four seasons. Even so, he has finished as the RB16 (2022) and RB8 (2021) on a PPG basis (half-PPR).

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Chris Olave	81.1	1116.6	6.6	0	0	0	191.81
Michael Thomas	59.4	658	4.1	0	0	0	120.1
Rashid Shaheed	36.9	462.6	2.8	5.3	47.7	0.4	88.68
Tre'quan Smith	14.3	175.5	1.1	0	0	0	31.3
Bryan Edwards	3.8	47.9	0.2	0	0	0	7.89
A.T. Perry	2.7	35.9	0.2	0	0	0	6.14

Michael Thomas: From 2016 to 2019, Thomas posted better numbers in each successive season — 92/1,137/9, 104/1,245/5, 125/1,405/9 and 149/1,725/9, respectively. Since then, however, he has appeared in only 10 games over three seasons and totaled 56 catches for 609 yards and three touchdowns. It's anyone's guess how much fantasy managers will get out of him in his age-30 season.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Juwan Johnson	40.4	452.6	2.9	0	0	0	82.86
Taysom Hill	10.2	109.7	0.7	49.2	270.6	2.46	65.378
Foster Moreau	18.8	215.3	1.4	0	0	0	39.33
Jimmy Graham	1.8	16	0.1	0	0	0	3.1

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Sunday, September 4, 2022

New Orleans Saints Fantasy Football Projections 2022

Our 2022 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2022 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Jameis Winston	489.2	308.7	3546.7	22.5	11.74	46.5	197.6	1.51	237.21
Andy Dalton	42.5	27.1	295.4	1.74	1.23	12.9	36.1	0.26	21.49

Jameis Winston: Winston has an improved group of pass catchers at his disposal with the return of Michael Thomas and the additions of first-rounder Chris Olave and free agent Jarvis Landry. As long as he remains aggressive without being careless with the football, there is some upside from his ADP.

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	209.4	931.8	6.28	53.4	439.9	2.8	218.35
Mark Ingram	139.6	572.4	4.54	12.8	92.2	0.6	103.7
Dwayne Washington	38.8	161	1.07	3.7	28.8	0.2	28.45
Tony Jones Jr.	27.1	117.9	0.68	1.8	13.4	0.1	18.71
Adam Prentice	5.2	16.1	0.13	2.7	19.2	0.1	6.26

Alvin Kamara: It appears that any suspension resulting from Kamara's battery case will likely occur in 2023, although it remains an added layer of risk for those that use an early pick on him. He set a career high in rush attempts (240), despite playing a career-low 13 games in 2021. Kamara also set career lows in YPC (3.7), targets (67), receptions (47) and receiving yards per game (33.8). Excluding the four games he missed, however, Kamara was still the RB4 in half-PPR scoring (RB5 on per-game basis).

Mark Ingram: If Kamara is suspended during any part of the 2022 season, which seems unlikely (as noted above), Ingram should lead the backfield in workload and become a viable RB2/flex option during that stretch. If Kamara doesn't miss any time, however, the 32-year-old is likely to have minimal stand-alone value.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Michael Thomas	73.7	895.2	5.5	1.3	5.2	0.04	160.13
Chris Olave	54.6	766.5	4.4	0	0	0	130.35
Jarvis Landry	51.2	609	3.6	5.2	31.2	0.31	113.08
Marquez Callaway	12.6	171	1.2	0	0	0	30.6
Deonte Harty	8.6	107.6	0.7	5.2	39	0.23	24.54
Tre'quan Smith	5.9	82.6	0.6	0	0	0	14.81

Michael Thomas: Thomas missed all of 2021 and appeared in only seven games in 2020. Before that, however, he led the NFL in receptions (149) and yards (1,725) in 2019. A return to league-leading production isn't likely, but he's a viable WR3 in fantasy. It appears his latest injury (hamstring) is unlikely to keep him out of the starting lineup in Week 1.

Chris Olave: The 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Olave is a polished route-runner with the speed to win vertically. While he isn't the biggest receiver and won't break many tackles, he'll make an immediate impact and is a viable WR4 as a rookie.

Jarvis Landry: Landry returns to his home state to form a talented trio of receivers with Thomas and Olave. Landry missed five games last season, but he had never finished with fewer than 72 catches or 101 targets in a season prior to that. His target share in 2022 may turn out to be a career low, but the five-time Pro Bowler has a history of outperforming expectations.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Adam Trautman	27.2	303.5	2	0	0	0	55.95
Taysom Hill	15.1	176.7	1.3	25.8	134.2	1.03	52.62
Juwan Johnson	6.7	76.8	0.7	0	0	0	15.23
Nick Vannett	5.9	59.6	0.5	0	0	0	11.91

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Wednesday, August 10, 2022

New Orleans Saints Fantasy Football Projections 2022

Our 2022 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2022 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Jameis Winston	489.2	308.7	3546.7	22.5	11.74	46.5	197.6	1.51	237.21
Andy Dalton	42.5	27.1	295.4	1.74	1.23	12.9	36.1	0.26	21.49

Jameis Winston: While Winston (foot) will miss a few days of practice, this injury isn't considered serious. When he is on the field, he'll have an improved group of pass catchers at his disposal with the return of Michael Thomas and the additions of first-rounder Chris Olave and free agent Jarvis Landry. As long as he remains aggressive without being careless with the football, there is some upside from his current ADP.

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	206.8	920.3	6.2	51.7	428.4	2.8	214.72
Mark Ingram	139.6	572.4	4.54	12.3	88.4	0.6	103.07
Dwayne Washington	37.5	155.6	1.03	3	23.1	0.2	26.75
Abram Smith	31	131.8	0.78	5.2	38.4	0.3	26.1
Adam Prentice	5.2	16.1	0.13	2.7	19.2	0.1	6.26

Alvin Kamara: Kamara's battery case was delayed again, which could push an expected suspension forward to the 2023 season. Kamara set a career high in rush attempts (240), despite playing a career-low 13 games in 2021. He also set career lows in YPC (3.7), targets (67), receptions (47) and receiving yards per game (33.8). When active, however, Kamara should perform as a top-10 back or better. Excluding the four weeks he missed in 2021, Kamara was the RB4 in half-PPR scoring (RB5 on per-game basis over same span).

Mark Ingram: If Kamara is suspended during any part of the 2022 season, Ingram would likely lead the backfield in workload. If so, the 32-year-old back would become a viable RB2/flex option during that stretch, but it's looking more likely that any suspension would occur in 2023.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Michael Thomas	71.4	870.2	5.3	1.3	5.2	0.04	155.28
Chris Olave	53.1	745.4	4.2	0	0	0	126.29
Jarvis Landry	47.9	574.4	3.4	5.2	31.2	0.31	106.77
Marquez Callaway	19.3	247.8	1.6	0	0	0	44.03
Deonte Harty	8.6	107.6	0.7	5.2	39	0.23	24.54
Tre'quan Smith	5.9	82.6	0.6	0	0	0	14.81

Michael Thomas: Thomas missed all of 2021 and appeared in only seven games in 2020. Before that, however, he led the NFL in receptions (149) and yards (1,725) in 2019. While a return to league-leading production isn't likely this season, there's a good chance that he becomes a fantasy value for managers that draft him.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Adam Trautman	30.6	341.9	2.3	0	0	0	63.29
Taysom Hill	11.8	138.3	1.1	25.8	134.2	1.03	45.93
Juwan Johnson	6.7	76.8	0.7	0	0	0	15.23
Nick Vannett	5.9	59.6	0.5	0	0	0	11.91

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Saturday, January 1, 2022

New Orleans Saints Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New Orleans Saints rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 20.4 (21st)
Best ranking: 18 (ESPN)
Worst ranking: 22 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Saints in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Non-QB MVP: RB Alvin Kamara

It was hard not to pick a defensive player such as LB Demario Davis or CB Marshon Lattimore, since the defense has been New Orleans' driving force this season. But Kamara has practically been the entire offense because of injuries to WR Michael Thomas, QB Jameis Winston and the offensive line. Kamara is averaging nearly 100 yards per game from scrimmage (97.7) and has eight touchdowns in the 11 games he has played this season. And the offense fell even flatter when he wasn't on the field from Weeks 10 to 13 because of injuries, with the Saints going 0-4 in that stretch. -- Mike Triplett

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

Ian Book realized a dream on Monday by starting his first game in the NFL. By his second snap, it felt more like a nightmare. The rookie -- pressed into action with both Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian on the reserve/COVID-19 list -- threw a pick-six on the second pass of the night, and things didn't get much better in a punishing loss to the Dolphins. Book was a pinata behind a makeshift offensive line, sacked eight times, and the toothless New Orleans attack failed to manage a single third-down conversion in 12 attempts. Like the Ravens in the AFC, the Saints feel like a once-promising team that's simply endured too much. The roof has fallen in.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They just had way too many injuries and COVID losses to beat Miami. Their season looks to be coming to an end.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

Would they have started (or even drafted) Ian Book had they known he'd contribute to a 24-game losing streak by Notre Dame quarterbacks that dates to 2012?

The Athletic -- Rank: 22

Is he The Guy? Maybe, no, no, no. The Saints have started four quarterbacks this year: Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian and, on Monday night, Ian Book. Winston's the only one we'd legitimately consider as the 2022 starter -- though Sean Payton surely has other ideas about Hill. It's a shame the Saints' offense and particularly the quarterback play has been so bad this year because they've wasted a season with a very good defense.

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Friday, September 3, 2021

Fantasy Football Projections 2021: New Orleans Saints

Our 2021 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2021 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Jameis Winston	518.2	335.5	3860.6	23.84	16.58	45.5	186.6	1.82	246.2
Taysom Hill	57.6	37.4	423.4	2.36	1.27	59.1	319.1	4.28	96.19

Jameis Winston: Perhaps both Winston and Taysom Hill will make starts during the season. Naming Winston as the starter, however, not only puts the better passer under center, but it allows the coaching staff to maximize Hill's versatility, especially given the state of their receiving corps. Two seasons ago in Tampa, Winston led the NFL in both passing yards (5,109) and interceptions thrown (30) so ball security will be critical to keeping the starting gig.

Taysom Hill: Whenever/if he gets the opportunity to start, Hill will flirt with top-12 production. During his four starts last season, he performed as a top-12 fantasy quarterback every week. At a minumum, Hill should be owned in all two-QB and Super Flex leagues.

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	186.5	857.9	7.74	79.8	724	4.2	269.73
Latavius Murray	92.1	409.8	2.86	23.9	179.9	0.9	93.48
Tony Jones Jr.	47.8	205.5	1.2	10.3	77.1	0.4	43.01
Ty Montgomery	6.8	29.9	0.17	10.6	128.5	0.6	25.76
Dwayne Washington	10.2	39.8	0.2	0.9	6.4	0	6.27

Alvin Kamara: No running back scored more fantasy points in half-PPR formats than Kamara in 2020. The versatile back had exactly 81 receptions in each of his first three NFL seasons and then set a career high (83) in 2020. That said, he was on pace for an even better career-best number before Drew Brees (ribs) missed four weeks. The only three games that Kamara failed to reach three catches came with Taysom Hill under center. That said, Jameis Winston winning the starting job benefits Kamara.

Latavius Murray: Murray may flirt with stand-alone flex value -- especially during bye weeks -- Murray will become an elite play in any game that Kamara misses. In the two games that Kamara missed and Murray was active, Murray had a total of 62 touches, 307 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Michael Thomas	65.4	835.4	4.8	0	0	0	145.04
Marquez Callaway	54.4	706.9	4.5	0	0	0	124.89
Tre'quan Smith	37.8	565.5	3.7	0	0	0	97.65
Deonte Harris	16.2	192.8	1.1	6.8	56.1	0.14	40.43
Lil'Jordan Humphrey	0.9	12.9	0.1	0	0	0	2.34

Michael Thomas: It was an injury-plagued 2020 season for Thomas, who failed to score in seven regular-season appearances. Thomas decided to postpone ankle surgery until June and he begins the season on the PUP list, which means that he'll miss at the least the first six weeks of the season. Drew Brees' retirement and his injury significantly diminishes his fantasy outlook for the upcoming season.

Marquez Callaway: Callaway has generated loads of training camp buzz and then upped the ante in preseason games. He has the potential to be the team's most productive receiver for as long as Michael Thomas (ankle) is out. Either way, he's an upside sleeper pick.

Fun watching Marquez Callaway really take ownership of being the top dog at receiver right now. Playing with so much confidence.
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) August 6, 2021

Tre'quan Smith: Smith posted career numbers in receptions (34) and yards (448) in 2020. Even with Brees retiring, Smith should set new career highs, but it's possible/likely that Callaway outperforms him.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Adam Trautman	38.2	428.4	2.8	78.74
Juwan Johnson	20.7	265.6	1.7	47.11
Nick Vannett	5.2	53.6	0.4	10.36

Adam Trautman: Set for an expanded role with Jared Cook now in L.A., Trautman is a breakout candidate. Not only does he move to the top of the TE depth chart, but plenty of targets are up for grabs with Michael Thomas starting the season on the PUP list and Emmanuel Sanders now in Buffalo.

Juwan Johnson: Converting from wide receiver to tight end, Johnson has earned glowing reviews this offseason and is poised for an expanded role, giving him some sleeper appeal. In fact, it wouldn't be that big of a surprise if it were Johnson (not Trautman) that turns in better receiving production in 2021.

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

Fantasy Football Projections 2021: New Orleans Saints

Our 2021 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2021 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Jameis Winston	376.1	243.5	2801.9	17.3	12.04	42.5	174.3	1.7	184.83
Taysom Hill	157.4	102.3	1156.9	6.45	3.46	72.4	391	5.25	150.52

Jameis Winston: Taysom Hill drew four starts when Drew Brees was sidelined last season. Earlier in the offseason, most expected Winston to be named the starter with Brees decided to hang up his cleats this offseason. Now that training camp is underway, however, the team in the midst of a legitimate quarterback competition.

Perhaps both quarterbacks will make starts during the season, but I believe Winston will begin the season as the starter in part so that New Orleans can maximize Hill's versatility, especially given the state of their receiving corps. Two seasons ago in Tampa, Winston led the NFL in both passing yards (5,109) and interceptions thrown (30) and ball security will be critical to keeping the starting gig (should be named the starter).

Taysom Hill: Whenever/if he gets the opportunity to start, Hill will flirt with top-12 production. During his four starts last season, he performed as a top-12 fantasy quarterback every week. At a minimum, Hill should be owned in all two-QB and Super Flex leagues (even if he isn't named the starter).

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	204.9	942.5	8.5	72.6	653.2	3.7	269.07
Latavius Murray	139.9	622.6	4.34	25.4	201.9	1.1	127.79
Ty Montgomery	20	88	0.5	10.4	118.8	0.6	32.48
Devonta Freeman	7.5	29.3	0.19	2.6	21.8	0.2	8.75
Alex Armah	5	11	0.3	1.4	9.9	0.1	5.19

If the Saints utilize Taysom Hill as their starter, it would likely cap Kamara's upside and lead to more volatility in his weekly production. In 11 games with Brees, Kamara was a top-10 weekly producer in all but one game last season. In four games with Hill, Kamara posted weekly finishes (half-PPR) of RB25, RB36, RB9 and RB9, respectively.

Latavius Murray: Provided Murray isn't a cap casualty, he flirts with stand-alone flex value -- especially during bye weeks -- when both Kamara and Murray are active. For any week(s) that Kamara may miss, however, Murray becomes a must-start play. In the two games that Kamara missed and Murray was active, Murray had a total of 62 touches, 307 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.

Ty Montgomery: The Saints have moved Montgomery to receiver. While ESPN lists him as a WR, he is still listed at RB in Yahoo! leagues.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Michael Thomas	70	870.9	5	0	0	0	152.09
Tre'quan Smith	38.9	581.9	3.6	0	0	0	99.24
Marquez Callaway	35.4	451.3	2.6	0	0	0	78.43
Deonte Harris	15.2	184.1	1.1	7.5	61.9	0.15	39.7
Juwan Johnson	12.1	162.3	1	0	0	0	28.28
Chris Hogan	2.1	27.7	0.2	0	0	0	5.02
Lil'Jordan Humphrey	0.9	11.9	0.1	0	0	0	2.24

Michael Thomas: It was an injury-plagued 2020 season for Thomas, who failed to score in seven regular-season appearances. Thomas decided to postpone ankle surgery until June and now he's likely to miss the start of the 2021 season. While Thomas appears to be "ahead of schedule," it's unclear how much time he will actually miss.

Before 2020, Thomas had improved every season -- 1,137 yards (2016), 1,245 (2017), 1,405 (2018) and 1,725 (2019). In his last full season (2019), he led the NFL in both receptions (149) and yards (1,725). Drew Brees' retirement and his injury significantly diminishes his fantasy outlook for the upcoming season.

Tre'quan Smith: Smith posted career numbers in receptions (34) and yards (448) in 2020. Even with Brees retiring, Smith should set new career highs with Emmanuel Sanders leaving for Buffalo and Thomas likely to miss the start of the season.

Marquez Callaway: Callaway has generated some training camp buzz and has the potential to be the team's most productive receiver for as long as Michael Thomas (ankle) is out. Either way, he's an upside sleeper pick in the double-digit rounds.

Fun watching Marquez Callaway really take ownership of being the top dog at receiver right now. Playing with so much confidence.
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) August 6, 2021

Juwan Johnson: While some sites like Yahoo! still list Johnson as a WR, he has converted to TE and the transition has been going well enough that he has some sleeper appeal.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Adam Trautman	45.8	514.6	3.3	0	0	0	94.16
Nick Vannett	5.2	49.5	0.4	0	0	0	9.95

Adam Trautman: Set for an expanded role with Jared Cook now in L.A., Trautman is a breakout candidate that will be a popular sleeper pick at tight end. In addition to his move up the TE depth chart, Emmanuel Sanders is now in Buffalo and Michael Thomas will likely miss the start of the season following offseason ankle surgery.

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Monday, August 9, 2021

2021 Fantasy Football Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 5th Pick

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2021 NFL season, we will use the 2021 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator (powered by FantasyPros) to complete fantasy football mock drafts.

We will use a variety of scoring formats -- PPR, half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues, league sizes and draft slots. The goal is to give you a good representation of the team that you may be able to construct given your league settings and the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

+ Our mocks will be tracked here: Fantasy Football Mock Drafts.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 5th Pick

1.05 - Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

No running back scored more fantasy points in half-PPR formats than Kamara in 2020. The versatile back had exactly 81 receptions in each of his first three NFL seasons and then set a career high (83) in 2020. That said, he was on pace for a much higher career-best number before Drew Brees (ribs) missed four weeks. The only three games that Kamara failed to reach three catches came with Brees sidelined.

2.08 - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The sky is the limit for Metcalf, who is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign (83/1,303/10). Through Week 9, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks passing offense were unstoppable and Metcalf had more than 90 yards in seven of his first eight games. Through Week 9, only Tyreek Hill had scored more fantasy points than Metcalf.

The only concern for Metcalf (and Wilson) is the Seahawks' desire to establish the run. Over the final eight regular-season games, Metcalf exceeded 61 yards in only two games. As great as Metcalf was in the first half of the season, he was tied with (now WFT receiver) Curtis Samuel as the WR25 from Weeks 10-17.

3.05 - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

With a healthy Dak Prescott, Lamb began his NFL career with two 100-yard games and a minimum of 59 yards in each of his first five games. During that five-game span, Lamb scored the 11th-most fantasy points (Amari Cooper was 12th) and only five other receivers had more receiving yards (433). Based on his skill set, Lamb should eventually emerge as the 1(a) for the Cowboys to Cooper's 1(b) ... potentially as early as 2021. Prescott recently said of that his "expectations are super-high" for Lamb, whom he described as "a special playmaker that we're privileged to have and he'll be big-time and definitely have a breakout season."

More: CeeDee Lamb 2021 Fantasy Football Outlook

4.08 - Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams

With Cam Akers (Achilles) injured and Malcolm Brown now longer in L.A., the Rams will turn to Henderson, by default, for large workloads. It's possible that they add a veteran free agent before the start of the season as Henderson has dealt with his own share of injuries over the past year. That said, he has massive upside in what should be a much-improved offense with Matthew Stafford under center.

5.05 - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Former college teammate Justin Jefferson dominated as a rookie in 2020. If Chase were draft-eligible last year, the 2019 Biletnikoff award winner would have been the first receiver off the board. Reunited with his former college quarterback, Chase should establish immediate chemistry. While Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will still see substantial (perhaps equal) targets as well, Chase should emerge eventually as the team's WR1.

More: Joe Mixon 2021 Fantasy Football Outlook

6.08 - Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos

Even though he was the third back off the board, some teams viewed Williams as "best back in the draft." With the Broncos moving up to get in front of the Dolphins to select Williams, it's likely that he emerges as the team's lead back sooner rather than later. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos parted ways (via trade or release) before final roster cuts. The 20-year-old back is a tackle-breaking machine.

7.05 - Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Playing on the franchise tag in 2020, Prescott was dominant before his season was cut short by a compound ankle fracture. From Weeks 2 to 4, Prescott threw for a minimum (yes, minimum) of 450 yards in three consecutive games with a total of 11 touchdowns (eight passing and three rushing). As noted in our Dak Prescott 2021 Fantasy Football Profile, Prescott (three) had more 450-yard passing games than the rest of the league combined (two) in 2020. During that three-game stretch before getting injured, Prescott performed as the weekly QB1, QB4 and QB1, respectively. With a talented trio of wide receivers, Prescott has tremendous upside if he can stay healthy.

More: Dallas Cowboys 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup

8.08 - Trey Sermon, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Not only does Sermon have the highest draft pedigree (third round) among the team's running backs, but the Niners traded up to draft him. Given his frame, balance and vision, the team could look to make him their featured back sooner than later (as much as Kyle Shanahan will feature an individual back, that is).

9.05 - Laviska Shenault, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Shenault Jr. played only 10 snaps in Week 9 and then missed the following two games. Outside of those three games, the rookie had a minimum of three receptions in every game. Over the final five games of the season, he had 25 catches (on 36 targets) for 246 yards and four touchdowns and added six carries for 31 yards and he was the WR16 (half-PPR) over that stretch.

More: 10 Undervalued Players in 2021 Fantasy Football Drafts

10.08 - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Reunited with his former college quarterback, Waddle (as does Fuller) provides Tagovailoa with more speed on the outside.

More: Miami Dolphins 2021 Fantasy Football Projections

11.05 - Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Football Team

Thomas was the only tight end in the league to have a minimum of four targets in every game last season. While he was consistent throughout the season, he was especially productive down the stretch.

From Weeks 6 to 17, Thomas scored the third-most fantasy points with 58 receptions (third-most), 564 yards (third-most) and five touchdowns (tied fifth-most) amongst tight ends. Last year's breakout tight end will enter 2021 as a viable top-10 option even with the team bolstering its receiving corps via the draft and free agency.

12.08 - Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks

A surprise first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Penny has failed to live up to his draft pedigree. On relatively limited touches, however, Penny has been efficient -- 5.1 YPC and 9.3 Y/R -- and Chris Carson's violent running style could lead to a missed game (or several). While it's become a cliche, Penny enters 2021 in the best shape of his life.

13.05 - Salvon Ahmed, RB, Miami Dolphins

Myles Gaskin's six missed games opened up opportunities for Ahmed to have a few high-volume games. The UDFA exceeded 20 carries twice and had three separate games with at least 17 touches. On a relatively thin depth chart, he's worth an end-of-bench stash.

14.08 - Colts DST, Indianapolis Colts

15.05 - Harrison Butker, K, Kansas City Chiefs

16.08 - Darrel Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Williams is a high-upside handcuff for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If CEH were to miss any time, Williams would immediately become an RB2 (or better) in Kansas City's high-powered offense.

- Full Mock Draft Results

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Friday, July 30, 2021

Fantasy Football Projections 2021: New Orleans Saints

Our 2021 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2021 fantasy football projections for the New Orleans Saints.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Jameis Winston	346.8	224.6	2583.7	15.95	11.1	42.5	174.3	1.7	172.58
Taysom Hill	186.7	121.4	1372.2	7.65	4.11	72.4	391	5.25	162.63

Perhaps both quarterbacks will make starts during the season, but I believe Winston will begin the season as the starter in part so that New Orleans can maximize Hill's versatility. Two seasons ago in Tampa, Winston led the NFL in both passing yards (5,109) and interceptions thrown (30), but his ball security will be pivotal in his ability to keep the starting gig (should be named the starter).

Taysom Hill: Whenever/if he gets the opportunity to start, Hill will flirt with top-12 production. During his four starts last seasone, he performed as a top-12 fantasy quarterback every week.

RUNNING BACKS

Player	Att.	Yards	TD	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Alvin Kamara	204.9	942.5	8.5	72.7	652.7	3.7	269.07
Latavius Murray	139.9	622.6	4.34	27.7	227.5	1.2	132.1
Ty Montgomery	20	88	0.5	10.4	89	0.6	29.5
Alex Armah	5	11	0.3	1.7	13.8	0.1	5.73
Dwayne Washington	7.5	32.6	0.15	0.9	5.9	0	5.2

Alvin Kamara: No running back scored more fantasy points in half-PPR formats than Kamara in 2020. The versatile back had exactly 81 receptions in each of his first three NFL seasons and then set a career high (83) in 2020. That said, he was on pace for a much higher career-best number before Drew Brees (ribs) missed four weeks. The only three games that Kamara failed to reach three catches came with Brees sidelined.

Latavius Murray: When both Kamara and Murray are active, Murray flirts with stand-alone flex value -- especially during bye weeks. For any weeks that Kamara may miss, however, Murray becomes a must-start play. In the two games that Kamara missed and Murray was active, Murray had a total of 62 touches, 307 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Michael Thomas	70.1	862.4	5	0	0	0	151.29
Tre'quan Smith	42.4	617.1	3.8	0	0	0	105.71
Marquez Callaway	20.8	274.9	1.6	0	0	0	47.49
Deonte Harris	17.3	207.7	1.2	7.5	61.9	0.15	43.71
Juwan Johnson	6.9	102.9	0.6	0	0	0	17.34
Chris Hogan	3.1	51.4	0.3	0	0	0	8.49
Lil'Jordan Humphrey	2.1	29.7	0.2	0	0	0	5.22

Before 2020, Thomas had improved every season -- 1,137 yards (2016), 1,245 (2017), 1,405 (2018) and 1,725 (2019). In his last full season (2019), he led the NFL in both receptions (149) and yards (1,725). Drew Brees' retirement and the injury dampen his fantasy outlook for the upcoming season.

Marquez Callaway: An expanded role early in the season provides Callaway with some sleeper appeal heading into 2021.

TIGHT ENDS

Player	Rec.	Yards	TD	Points
Adam Trautman	45.8	534	3.2	95.5
Nick Vannett	13.8	158.2	0.9	28.12
Garrett Griffin	2.6	29.7	0.2	5.47

Adam Trautman: A breakout candidate set for an expanded role in year two, Trautman will be a popular sleeper pick at tight end. Not only are Jared Cook and Josh Hill no longer on the roster, but Emmanuel Sanders (82 targets) is also gone and Michael Thomas is likely to miss the start of the season following recent ankle surgery.

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Tuesday, August 29, 2023

QUARTERBACKS

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WIDE RECEIVERS

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Saturday, August 5, 2023

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Sunday, September 4, 2022

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Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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Saturday, January 1, 2022

Friday, September 3, 2021

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Thursday, August 19, 2021

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Monday, August 9, 2021

Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 5th Pick

Friday, July 30, 2021

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RUNNING BACKS

WIDE RECEIVERS

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