Who do you have starting Dallas?
The New Orleans Saints put on a clinic, absolutely dominating the Carolina Panthers 47-10 in their season opener at the Caesars Superdome. This marks their sixth straight opening win, the best active streak in the entire NFL! Could this be the winning season? Let’s talk about that offense – it’s like a firework show on Bourbon Street! First-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has seems to have brought the sizzle, and the Saints are looking explosive. Let’s hope that translates well for fantasy points if you have any of the major players from the Saints on your team. The game in Week 1 set the tone for fantasy managers to set their rosters. Going into this week’s game, let’s take a look at who can potentially get you some points at the starting spot.
Derek Carr: Start
Derek Carr had a field day against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, completing 19 of 23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-10 blowout. The Saints’ offense was unstoppable, scoring on their first nine drives of the game before finally punting in the fourth quarter. Carr, in particular, was on fire, connecting on a 59-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed and finding Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson for additional scores.
While this performance was impressive, Carr’s fantasy outlook remains somewhat limited. Although he’s been a decent passer in recent seasons, his consistent game play last season has held him back. Coming into the 2024 season, Carr will need to keep the momentum from game one to bring in some major fantasy points. With the supporting cast that’s available, he can bring in some fantasy points.
Taysom Hill: Start
Taysom Hill had a solid but unspectacular outing in their blowout win over the Panthers. He ran for 35 yards, caught a pass for one yard, and looked like his usual self: a versatile player who can do a bit of everything but might not be the most explosive option.
Hill’s early usage in the game hints at his potential role under the Saints’ new offensive coordinator. While he may not be the lead running back, he’ll likely see a mix of carries and targets, especially if the Saints are facing a tough defense. Fantasy-wise, in any position, he does have high potential of bringing in points.
Alvin Kamara: Start
Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ dynamic running back, had a day against the Panthers. He rumbled for 83 yards and a touchdown, while also proving his versatility as a receiver. His one-yard TD plunge in the third quarter was a highlight of the game, showcasing his power and agility.
While his yards per carry might not have been as impressive as in previous seasons, Kamara’s performance against the Panthers is a promising sign. If the Saints continue to dominate their opponents, he could be in for a major comeback season. However, the real test will come in Week 2 against the tough Cowboys defense.
Kamara’s fantasy value has taken a hit in recent years, but he still remains a solid option. His receiving skills and knack for finding the end zone make him a reliable asset.
Chris Olave: Start
Olave might have caught two balls for 11 yards in Sunday’s blowout, but don’t let that fool you. The Saints’ offense was on fire, and the Panthers were toast. Derek Carr was spreading the wealth, hitting Shaheed, Moreau, and Johnson with touchdown passes. By halftime, the game was essentially over.
So, yeah, Olave’s numbers weren’t exactly eye-popping. But consider this: the Saints didn’t need to pass much in the second half. And when they do need to throw, Olave is the guy. He’s got the talent, the route-running, and the trust of his quarterback.
Looking ahead to Week 2 against the Cowboys, expect Olave to be a major focal point. He’s primed for a breakout game and could be a fantasy football goldmine. So, while Sunday might have been a quiet day, Olave’s star is still shining bright.
Rashid Shaheed: Start
Shaheed, the Saints’ third-year speedster, lit up the Panthers’ secondary like a Christmas tree in Sunday’s blowout win. His 59-yard touchdown catch from Derek Carr in the first quarter was a thing of beauty, and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
With Michael Thomas out of the picture, Shaheed has a golden opportunity to step into a bigger role in New Orleans’ offense. He’s already shown flashes of brilliance, and under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, he could be poised for a breakout season.
Keeping an eye on Shaheed will pose to be beneficial. He’s a late-round sleeper with a lot of upsides. If he can stay healthy and continue to make big plays, he could be a valuable asset to your roster.
Juwan Johnson: Start
Juwan Johnson’s sensational toe-tapping touchdown catch in the right corner of the end zone was just one of the many highlights in the Saints’ 47-10 blowout victory over the Panthers. While his fellow tight end, Foster Moreau, also had a solid game with four catches for 43 yards and a touchdown, Johnson’s highlight-reel grab stole the show.
Despite playing fewer games last season, Johnson actually saw more targets than Moreau, leading many to believe he would be the clear-cut TE1 for the Saints. However, the versatile Taysom Hill added another wrinkle to the offense, primarily serving as a rushing threat out of the backfield.
With Moreau’s status now uncertain for next week’s game against the Cowboys, it will be interesting to see how the Saints utilize Johnson, Moreau, and Hill under their new offensive coordinator.
As for Johnson’s fantasy outlook, he’s a solid TE2 option with a history of finding the end zone. However, his lack of consistent targets and high-end volume may limit his upside.
Please note that the list above is purely opinion based. If you disagree, let us know below, which Saints players you drafted and who you have starting against the Dallas Cowboys this week.