Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 29th @ 1:00 PM ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Betting Odds: IND -1, 43.5 total via PFF.com
Network: FOX
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ on Twitter/X)
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Derek Carr (Sit)
Derek Carr may have thrown for 301 yards (amassing 300+ yard games in consecutive weeks), but it took him completing 33 of 55 attempts for just one touchdown and an interception in the process. His box score did play out decently for fantasy purposes, but it was quite the chore watching him routinely miss his receivers, especially in the final seconds of the game. In Yahoo! leagues, Carr is 34% rostered, and he can be left on the wire.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB1)
If you drafted Alvin Kamara, knowing you wouldn’t get to start him until Week 4 at the earliest, you have been handsomely rewarded. Despite any woes from Carr, Kamara is getting his without issue. Against the Jaguars, he turned 17 carries into 62 yards on the ground, but it’s the 12 receptions on 14 targets for 91 yards and a two-point conversion grab that elevated his fantasy output. Kamara is averaging 9.8 targets per game since his Week 4 season debut, and his matchup this week is a delight against a Colts defense allowing the seventh most fantasy points to opposing ‘backs this season.
Jamaal Williams returned to action after missing four games with a hamstring injury, but was on a pitch count and a non-factor against Jacksonville. Until further notice, Williams isn’t getting in the way of Kamara.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
Chris Olave (Start, WR3), Michael Thomas (Start, FLEX), Rashid Shaheed (Sit), Juwan Johnson (Sit), Taysom Hill (Start, TE2)
News broke Monday evening that Chris Olave was arrested for reckless driving – 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone – and was released from jail Tuesday morning. He could be subjected to league discipline in the coming weeks, but it should not impact his Week 8 availability. Olave saw 15 targets from Carr in the loss to Jacksonville, catching seven passes for 57 scoreless yards. Olave has topped 100 yards twice this season (and hasn’t since Week 3), with only one touchdown to his name. His PPR numbers have been decent overall, but he will remain on the WR3 map.
Michael Thomas scored his first touchdown of the season last week, catching only three passes on seven targets for 42 yards; so it’s safe to say his score saved his fantasy day. He has at least six targets in every game this season, keeping him on the FLEX radar.
Rashid Shaheed remains a boom-or-bust option, and can be left out of your lineup this week.
Juwan Johnson is expected back this week having suffered a calf injury that has kept him out since Week 4, but it should remain the Taysom Hill show out of the TE position for New Orleans. Against the Jags, Hill caught four of five targets for 50 yards, adding 18 rush yards off five carries and a touchdown.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew (Start, QB2)
Gardner Minshew held his own (and then some) against the stellar Browns defense. He completed 15 of 23 attempts for 305 yards, two passing touchdowns, and an interception, as well as 29 yards on the ground for two rushing scores. It was a big day for ‘Minshew Mania’ truthers, and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate any bit of that success against a strong Saints defense that is allowing the 26th most fantasy points to opposing QBs this season.
Running Backs
Zack Moss (Start, FLEX), Jonathan Taylor (Start, RB2)
Minshew’s numbers appear to indicate a shootout, but both Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor each had 18 carries in the controversial loss to Cleveland. Moss had 57 yards on the ground, whereas Taylor had 75 and a score, adding three receptions for 45 yards. There hasn’t been any suggestion thus far that Moss is going away, which still gives him FLEX appeal until otherwise indicated. Taylor can remain on the RB2 radar as he continues to ramp up to his normal workload.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Michael Pittman Jr. (Start, WR3), Josh Downs (Start, FLEX)
Michael Pittman Jr. recorded a 75-yard touchdown against the Browns late in the fourth quarter, but otherwise, he had just one more reception off five targets for a grand total of 83 yards. He went on to voice his frustration, telling Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star “They just didn’t target me today, for whatever reason. Maybe I’m not a big part of the offense”. The comments are rather surprising, and you wonder if Minshew will look to get the ball in his hands more often this week.
The (good) problem the Colts have is the emergence of Josh Downs. Downs put together a career day against the Browns, catching five of six targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. He has at least six targets in each of the last three games, with at least five receptions across that span. He’s come on as a viable FLEX option.
The Indy TE room, consisting of names such as Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Mo Alie-Cox can all be left on the wire.
I can’t anymore with these intrusive ads. Very poor placement.