Packers @ Saints: Fantasy Football Forecast
Despite the heartbreaking loss Saints players performed fairly well in the fantasy football universe last week. Unless you started Jimmy Graham, of course. Bress went over 20 fantasy points, Colston and Stills over 100 yards. The running backs couldn’t pick up anything on the ground but against the Packers they should have a nice day as Green Bay is the worst defense in the league against the run. In general, this game should be a fantasy football feast so let’s get started with our in-depth analysis.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
QB
With no pass rush and bad cornerback play Rodgers is gonna have fun Sunday. 25+ fantasy points, must start.
RB
Green bay couldn’t get the running game going early in the season and looking back at what the Saints did against Reggie Bush and Joique Bell sitting Eddie Lacy is not completely bonkers but be careful. Lacy is a borderline RB2 right now having scored only 4 rushing touchdowns and 0 receiving touchdowns. Considering that all his scores came in the last 4 games Lacy should get the start against the Saints as he seems to have found his rhytm on offense.
Eddie Lacy’s Projections:
NFL.com – 14.50 pts
ESPN – 11.00 pts
YAHOO – 11.45 pts
WR
Jordy Nelson is Jordy Nelson. Randall Cobb is scoring at least one touchdown per game. They are BOTH in the top-5 of fantasy wideout on the season. Of course you start ’em.
TE
When they’ll give Rodgers a good tight end that offense will be even scarier. Until then, stay away from Andrew Quarless. Even 3rd-string tight end Josh Hill scored more fantasy points than Quarless.
K
Mason Crosby scored double-digit fantasy points only two times this season, made 8 total field goals and only 2 from 40+ yards. Last season he was a much better fantasy kicker but the Saints are allowing the 3rd-most fantasy points to kickers so he might be a good start this week. Good streaming option for sure.
D/ST
The 7th-best fantasy defense so far is gonna drop a few spots after this game. Even if they’ll get a couple of sacks or an interception they’re gonna allow a lot of points so my advice is to NOT start them.
Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) celebrates with wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) after catching a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
QB
Last week was clear reminder that you should never sit Drew Brees. NEVER.
RB
No Pierre Thomas is a big blow for the Saints’ offense and the fact that Khiry Robinson hasn’t practiced much is not a good thing either. Even if the Saints will be limited to use only Mark Ingram and Travaris Cadet you shouldn’t be worried: Green Bay is dead-last in rush defense. Ingram should be a good Flex option for your team.
WR
If Jimmy Graham isn’t 100% (and he’s not) Colston has WR2 value. He could easily have another 100-yard game, as the Packers are allowing 20+ fantasy points to wide receivers. It should be a high-scoring game so you have to consider Brandin Cooks and Kenny Stills too, in case you’re looking for a Flex candidate.
TE
What to do with Jimmy Graham? That’s what a lot of fantasy owners are wondering right now. I think you can sit him only if you can replace him with a valid substitute because if your backup tight end is Lance Kendricks you’re better off rolling the dice with Graham.
K
Inconsistency is characterizing Shayne Graham’s season so far, as Michael Fabiano writes:
"You might think that Graham is a great start after his 11-point performance against the Detroit Lions last week, but that’s not true. He’s been inconsistent overall, scoring six or fewer fantasy points in three of his last five games. The Packers have been tough on kickers this season too, so Graham is not a sure bet to produce."
D/ST
LOL.