In a 32-part series leading up to the start of the 2021 National Football League season, we will take a look at each NFL franchise from a fantasy perspective. The 23rd team we will review is the New Orleans Saints.
The biggest question surrounding the New Orleans Saints heading into 2021 will be how the quarterback position will take shape. Now that Drew Brees has retired, will Jameis Winston be the regular starter, or will he be involved in some sort of time share with Taysom Hill?
Winston signed with the Saints in April of last year, and spent a season as the Saints’ backup. He did play four games in 2020, but only completed seven of 11 passes for 75 yards. In 2019, you could argue that Winston had the most topsy-turvy season in National Football League history with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led the NFL in passing yards (5109), and yards per game (319.3), but also led the NFL in interceptions with 30 two years ago. Currently, Winston is ranked 13th among NFL quarterbacks.
At wide receiver, Michael Thomas was the best receiver in the NFL two years ago. In fact, it was one of the best seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history. He set the NFL record for most catches in a season (149), and also led the NFL in receiving yards (1725), and receiving yards per game (107.8). However in 2020, Thomas missed half the season with a high ankle sprain, and after undergoing ankle surgery in June, Thomas is expected to miss the first third of the 2021 NFL season. Where the conflict with Thomas and the Saints lie is why did it take until June for Thomas to have ankle surgery? Based on Thomas’s success two years ago, Thomas might be worth taking in the final round of fantasy.
At running back, the Saints have their most prized offensive weapon. Alvin Kamara is 26 years of age, and already is a four-time Pro Bowler. Last year he had 187 rushes for 932 yards and 16 touchdowns, and 83 catches for 756 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara is the second best running back in fantasy, and is only behind Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.
When it comes to tight end, the Saints lost Jared Cook in free agency in the offseason to the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile at kicker, Wil Lutz will miss the first few weeks of the season with core muscle surgery. Lutz is a fantasy favourite of mine, and watch out for him on the waiver wire when he is ready to return.
The Saints are also worth considering to pick for fantasy defense. They are currently ranked seventh. Linebacker Demario Davis of Collins, Mississippi led the Saints with 73 solo tackles, 46 assisted tackles, and 119 combined tackles, in 2020. In 2017, while with the New York Jets, Davis led the NFL with 97 solo tackles.
The Saints should battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South Division title again this year. New Orleans and Tampa Bay are clearly better than Carolina and Atlanta.
