Saints And Sinners

Aaron Jones logged a full practice on Friday, which was a positive surprise to the source. The source notes that his usage has been heavier than expected, moving away from a pass-catching-only role.

Adonai Mitchell is a strong fantasy asset, averaging 7.5 targets per game with a 25% target-per-route rate and over 100 air yards per game. Despite a finger injury, he is expected to play.

A.J. Barner is a potential goal-line option for Seattle, but the source is skeptical about relying on him due to the team's tendency to get 'kitschy' with tight end usage.

The source notes that Alvin Kamara is playing like a lead back for the Saints and has effectively taken over the high-value work in the backfield.

The source advises against trusting Baker Mayfield against the Vikings' defense, citing his tendency to hold the ball loosely, which makes him prone to turnovers against aggressive defenses.

The source believes Brock Bowers is a must-start if he plays, even if he is limited to a 30% snap count, due to his talent and impact on the offense.

The source highlights that Bryce Lance is in the top 10 in the NFL in total routes run and has earned five targets, indicating a significant role in the Saints' fast-paced system.

The source suggests starting Bryce Young over Joe Burrow this week, citing a significantly better matchup for Young.

Bucky Irving is on a pitch count to maintain health and the team intends to ride the hot hand, which the source expects will limit him to around 15 touches against a tough defense.

The source describes Cam Ward's recent tape as some of the worst you will see, specifically noting his tendency to throw off his back foot while backpedaling in the red zone. The source advises fantasy managers to run away from all Titans players due to systemic issues.

The source recommends Chris Bell as a speculative waiver wire add, noting he is integrating into the offense faster than anticipated following an injury.

Chris Godwin is the most trusted Buccaneers receiver for the upcoming week, though the source notes his fantasy ceiling is likely capped around 15 points in PPR formats.

While Christian McCaffrey remains a must-start, the source notes his usage is trending down compared to last year, with fewer touches in week two than week one. The source expects a lower ceiling (18-19 points) than his previous elite production (23-25 points) due to the team salting away games with Kalen Black.

With Jonathan Brooks heading to IR, Chuba Hubbard is positioned for elite utilization and is considered a very solid starter for this week.

DJ Moore is a must-start if he is active, despite being a game-time decision with a limited practice.

With Nico Collins officially out, Dalton Schultz becomes a must-start tight end, as he is expected to see a significant increase in target volume.

Denzel Boston has double-digit targets and at least 14 yards per target, but reliance on him is questionable given the uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson's status as the starter.

DK Metcalf is struggling significantly, averaging only 3.5 yards per target, which ranks 161st among pass catchers.

Drake Maye is currently struggling, drawing comparisons to Justin Herbert as a player who was expected to be an MVP candidate but is currently performing like a 'DNP' (Do Not Play).

Emmanuel Wilson looked solid with 20-plus touches last week, but the source worries he will be stuck in a timeshare that limits his fantasy upside.

The source suggests Emmitt Johnson is a good streaming option for those desperate for points, as he could see significant work in the second half.

Geno Smith is a recommended streaming quarterback option this week, particularly given the recent wave of quarterback injuries. He is considered safer and more predictable than Jameis Winston or Daniel Jones.

George Kittle is performing well and evolving into the player expected, though the source notes that his production may still come with some boom-or-bust volatility.

Despite recent efficiency struggles and drops, the source strongly advocates keeping the faith with George Pickens, citing his high target share and unrealized air yards.

Harold Fannin Jr. is currently an okay fantasy option, but his ceiling is capped by the Browns' inefficient offense and low play volume; he may become a better option if Deshaun Watson is replaced.

Jamar Chase remains a must-start player regardless of the difficult matchup against the Steelers.

The source expresses concern about Jadarian Price's workload, noting he is likely to play but faces a potential timeshare that caps his upside, especially given his questionable health status.

The source briefly suggests that fantasy managers should consider starting Jahmyr Gibbs.

The source believes Jake Ferguson takes a back seat to George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, meaning he likely needs a touchdown to be fantasy-relevant.

Jameis Winston is not a viable long-term fantasy quarterback. His performance is highly unpredictable, and he often fails to produce consistent yardage or touchdowns even when given first-team reps.

Jameson Williams is a frustrating fantasy start; despite a 95% route participation rate, he has failed to convert opportunities, catching only 6 of 13 targets with minimal deep-ball efficiency.

The source highlights Jaxon Smith-Njigba's elite efficiency metrics, including a 44% target per route run and 5.5 yards per route run, and strongly recommends starting him.

The source insists that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a must-start and warns against sitting him, regardless of the matchup.

With Rico Dowdle potentially out, Jalen Warren sees a significant boost in value, with the potential for high reception volume in the upcoming matchup.

Jeremiah Love is being managed cautiously due to a preseason high ankle sprain, which is negatively impacting the fantasy value of both him and Tyler Allgeier in the Cardinals' backfield.

Joe Burrow faces a tough matchup against a strong Steelers defense, leading to concerns about his fantasy output this week.

Jordan Addison is struggling significantly, with only two receptions for 21 yards on over 50 routes run. The source suggests holding him for now but notes that the return of Jalen Jennings will likely further compress his opportunities.

Justin Herbert is considered a good start this week against the Bills' vulnerable pass defense, but if he fails to perform, he may become droppable.

The source notes they were early on the Juwan Johnson hype train, implying continued confidence in his role within the Saints' offense.

The source recommends picking up Kendry Miller as a stash, noting that he is the clear next man up if Alvin Kamara were to miss time.

The source believes Kenny Gainwell is massively underutilized in his pass-catching role and compares his potential usage to DeAndre Swift's recent performance against Minnesota.

With Mason Taylor likely out, Kenyon Sadiq becomes a potential back-end TE1. He possesses elite speed and athleticism and is expected to see an increased target share.

Keon Coleman is a decent flex candidate if DJ Moore is unable to play.

Khalil Shakir is a decent flex candidate if DJ Moore is unable to play.

The source considers Kyler Murray a perfectly fine start, preferring him over Geno Smith due to his rushing floor.

Ladd McConkey is a recommended start this week, as the Bills' defense is particularly vulnerable to slot receivers, allowing significant yardage in that area.

Despite a shoulder injury, Malik Nabers is a must-start player. While there are concerns about the Giants' quarterback situation, he is expected to play and remains a focal point of the offense.

The source views this as a terrible matchup for Marcus Mariota, noting that Seattle's defense has allowed the fewest passing yards in the league, making him a risky start.

The source suggests that the return of Zay Flowers and the emergence of Rashad Bateman might stunt Mark Andrews' fantasy production.

The source is highly critical of Marvin Harrison Jr.'s recent tape, describing it as looking like he is quitting and noting a specific instance where he failed to complete a designed hot route. The source says he looks lost.

Michael Wilson has a slight edge over other Cardinals receivers in terms of usage, but the source notes this does not inspire great confidence for fantasy purposes.

Mike Evans missed practice on Thursday and Wednesday, potentially due to West Coast travel. The source states that if Evans is active, he is a must-start, though they express concern regarding his potential for a limited role.

Oronde Gadsden is the last man standing at tight end for the Chargers and is expected to run significant routes, making him an interesting upside play over Pat Freiermuth.

Pat Freiermuth is a viable tight end option due to his efficient usage, particularly his slot involvement, which provides a solid floor.

Quinshawn Judkins has an elite 80% backfield opportunity share and has started catching passes, which provides a decent floor despite the Browns' overall offensive struggles.

The source is not interested in Rasheed Rice, noting he has not stood out in the offense and lacks a clear path to being a fantasy WR1, recommending managers trade him while they can.

Rashad Bateman performed well in Zay Flowers' absence, but the source notes he becomes a non-entity when Flowers is active, though he remains a flex-worthy option.

Despite a fumble-related benching last week, Ramondre Stevenson is expected to reclaim a larger share of the snaps this week. History shows that while Mike Vrabel penalizes fumbles in-game, the workload reduction does not typically carry over to the following week.

Romeo Doubs is emerging as a reliable WR3 option. His chemistry with Drake Maye is improving, evidenced by his ability to adjust on broken plays, and he is seeing valuable deep targets.

Tee Higgins should remain in lineups, as he has historically performed well against the Steelers, including a 160-yard, two-touchdown performance in their meetings last year.

The source considers Terry McLaurin a fine flex play but is not forcing him into lineups due to the difficult matchup for the Commanders' passing game.

The source is hesitant about the Washington offense but acknowledges Terry McLaurin as a starter, despite noting his recent drops.

The source advises fantasy managers to stay away from Travis Etienne, suggesting he is not a reliable fantasy back and recommending trading him if possible.

Trey Harris is slowly taking the job away from Quentin Johnston and is a viable flex consideration.

Despite a poor second half against Denver, Trevor Lawrence is expected to have a bounce-back performance against the Patriots, making him a viable start in fantasy lineups.

Trey McBride is the only Arizona Cardinals player the source feels confident starting, labeling him an absolute must-start.

The source confirms Zay Flowers is the alpha receiver for the Ravens and a must-start, noting Lamar Jackson's strong preference for him.