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Which Saints players should you consider for the week

Which Saints players should you consider for the week

NFL Week 5 ends with the Saints and Chiefs battling it out at Arrowhead on Monday Night Football. New Orleans is desperate to bounce back after losing the last two games despite taking a late lead, but it will take a village to take down Kansas City in prime time on its own home floor. With the fantasy football action in full swing, here are some Saints tips to consider for your matchups.

Be sure to check Sports Illustrated Fantasy Cover with Michael Fabiano for all your needs this football season.

After a slow start, Chris Olave has become a fairly stable producer.

September 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a ball in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Alvin Kamara (14.29 projected points)

After a normal week against the Eagles, Kamara exceeded fantasy expectations against the Falcons. He finished with 21.4 points and got into the end zone. He’s played a major role in the Saints’ offense, which currently has just a handful of players. He just finished a 26-touch game after his 29-touch game. Without Taysom Hill this week, that means he will continue to be a favorite and a must-watch.

Chris Olave (11.33 projected points)

The hamstring injury he suffered at the end of last week’s practice wasn’t really a big factor against the Falcons. He was targeted 10 times and finished with 8 catches for 87 yards en route to a 12.7 point outing. Like Kamara, he is currently one of the other important pieces of the offensive attack. He must start with confidence.

Rashid Shaheed (10.26 projected points)

Shaheed responded after being shut out against the Eagles to finish with 18.8 points. Naturally, this also depends on whether or not your league has return yards in the equation. He lost a fumble, which certainly had a negative impact on you. However, it is very unusual for him to perform such actions. Even without the return yardage, Shaheed had 11 targets and had 8 catches for 83 yards. He should continue to get checked out.

Even if his time will come, Juwan Johnson remains a player not to start in fantasy. I wouldn’t start any Saints tight end unless you absolutely have to. Dallin Holker could also see targets this week as the New Orleans offense looks to get more players involved. However, Kansas City has been playing hard against tight ends lately.

Pete Werner was a late addition to the injury report with a hamstring injury, and Willie Gay Jr will be out with a hand injury. Demario Davis should return to the mix, but after that you’re looking at D’Marco Jackson and Anfernee Orji as linebacker options.

Paulson Adebo is becoming a tackling machine, as he racked up 12 total tackles and a pick in last week’s loss. He has three consecutive games of 10 or more points. Carl Granderson would be the best defensive lineman to draft, followed by Chase Young and Bryan Bresee if you need someone on the interior. Alontae Taylor is also a sneaky play in a matchup against Travis Kelce.

Rashid Shaheed could end up having a great day against the Chiefs

September 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) is chased by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes (21) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Rashid Shaheed (10.26 points)

Well, we got it right with Taysom Hill last week, but his early release canceled out a truly bruising day for fantasy owners. It’s probably a cheat to put Shaheed here since we have him in the start ’em category, but I think the Chiefs give up some big plays and it’s Shaheed who makes them pay. I also think he could give you a boost on special teams in this game.