Week 2 Fantasy Football Outlook: Saints Vs Raiders

Image credit – Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports

We are going into week 2 of fantasy football after a Thursday night match up between the Bengals and the Browns. The Saints also have a prime time match up on Monday night versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Week 1 shook things up for some of the players in New Orleans in the realm of fantasy football.

Drew Brees

People are questioning whether to start Drew Brees with Michael Thomas not expected to play because of injury. Don’t be afraid to start Drew at all, especially against the Raiders defense, that is not considered elite. As great as Michael Thomas is, Drew and Sean Payton were throwing up points well before Thomas arrived. I think they have what it takes to make adjustments and get creative to get others to help carry the weight in the passing game.

Despite his high ankle sprain, Saints WR Michael Thomas “felt fantastic” at practice Wednesday and there’s a “little glimmer of hope” he can play Monday night, per source. It’s still unlikely, but the Saints were pleased and surprised at Thomas’ progress and condition Wednesday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2020

Alvin Kamara

Speaking of players picking up weight in the passing game; Alvin Kamara is no stranger to the receiving game. If you thought he wasn’t an every every week start already you might be crazy, but get him in there this week, because there are more receiving opportunities to go around. After getting 15 carries last week Latavius Murray doesn’t exactly scream fantasy starter. However, he does have potential to out up points in the running game. He has Flex appeal for this week.

Emmanuel Sanders

With Michael Thomas expected out you have to go into next man up mode. Emmanuel Sanders is the most seasoned receiver and score a touchdown last, his stock escalates considerably with Thomas out. I would have no issue starting him this week after the Panthers receiver scorched the Raiders last week. Tre’quan Smith and Deonte Harris were two names I brought up last week. Best believe they we be players of interest this week. Jared Cook had a big game last week; I would look for him to improve on his 5 catches for 80 yards, maybe throw in a touchdown this week.

Saints Defense

The Saints defense didn’t let anyone down last week with a interception for touchdown. I would start the defense full force with the Raiders deploying two rookie wide receivers who are going to battle through rookie inconsistencies which was evident week 1.

Cornerback	Wide Receiver	Match-up Winner
Alex Anzalone	Darren Waller	Waller
Marshon Lattimore	Henry Ruggs III	Neutral
Janoris Jenkins	Bryan Edwards	Jenkins
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson	Hunter Renfrow	Gardner-Johnson

Raiders

Speaking of Raiders receivers I wouldn’t start any of them for week 2 fantasy football. They are young and need time to develop. The players on the Raiders that I would start are RB Josh Jacobs and TE Darren Waller. The Saints have not allowed an opposing runner to get 100 yards or over since November of 2017 and I expect that trend to continue. The books in Las However, Josh Jacobs had 3 touchdowns last week and figure to keep getting opportunities in the running and passing game. Darren Waller figures to be the #1 receiver for that team until one if the younger receiver emerges into that role. Derek Carr isn’t a terrible quarterback, but I would hold off on starting him because of the challenging match up the Saints defense could create.

For more Fantasy advice from Colin check out Fantasy Football Frequency.