Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 13th, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Network: FOX
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: Startable, QB1/2 Borderline
Mayfield has been even better than the most bought-in Bucs fans could have imagined this season. He has only fallen out of the top 12 quarterbacks once this season. He hasn’t been afraid to use his legs when necessary, which has elevated his floor. Still, his passing yardage totals can leave you wanting, and there could be some up-and-down moments against the Saints’s defense in Week 6.
Running Back
Bucky Irving: FLEX Option, RB3
Rachaad White: FLEX Option, RB3
Bucky Irving is more of a deep-league FLEX play, but he’s got some potential if the Bucs lean on the run. He’s not a sure thing, but he could surprise if given enough opportunities given his efficiency as a runner. The one thing working in Irving’s favor is that he has been far and away the better runner in this backfield, averaging over 5.5 yards per carry on just shy of 50 carries. Falling just behind Irving is Rachaad White, who has started to lose more work to Irving each week. White should maintain the passing down work, though, which keeps him on the fantasy radar, especially in PPR leagues.
Wide Receiver
Chris Godwin: Start, WR1
Mike Evans: Start, WR2
Chris Godwin is a WR1 this week with a juicy matchup against slot corner Alontae Taylor. He’s been reliable all season, averaging 17.8 fantasy PPG. The Saints’ secondary doesn’t scare you away from starting him. Mike Evans has also been solid this season and is always a big-play threat, even while facing mortal nemesis Marshon Lattimore this week. Treat him as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside as long as he isn’t ejected for getting in a scrap with Lattimore again.
Tight End
Cade Otton: Streaming Option, TE2
Cade Otton is a serviceable option at tight end if you’re in need. The Saints’ defense can give up some points to tight ends (11th-most in the league), and he’s been getting just enough targets to be fantasy-relevant, with 21 looks over the last three weeks.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Spencer Rattler: Sit
Spencer Rattler isn’t the answer at quarterback this week. The Bucs’ defense should have him scrambling in his first NFL start, and there’s no need to risk it. If you need a QB streamer, there’s likely a better option on waivers.
Running Back
Alvin Kamara: Start, RB1
Kamara is a high-end RB1 who should see a lot of action. He’s got the ability to score points in multiple ways, making him a must-start every week. He is averaging more than 23 PPG this season and will likely be the primary motor to the Saints offense in Week 6 with a rookie QB under center.
Wide Receiver
Chris Olave: Start, WR2
Rashid Shaheed: FLEX Option, WR3
Chris Olave is a solid WR2 option this week. He should see enough volume to keep his floor safe and has the talent to turn any play into a big gain. There will be some growing pains with rookie Spencer Rattler at the helm, but Rattler has already come out and said Olave will be his go-to target for better or worse. Rashid Shaheed is a deeper FLEX option with some upside. He’s more of a dart throw with a less reliable option at QB, but he can always make a start worth it with one play. He has been good for one to two deep bombs this season, but he is likely going to drop out of the top 40 wide receivers when my final updates are made this week.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson: Sit, TE2
Foster Moreau: Sit
Taysom Hill: Sit
Juwan Johnson isn’t doing enough to justify a start. The matchup isn’t great, and there are better streaming options out there. Foster Moreau is a desperation play at best. Unless you’re in the deepest of leagues, leave him on the bench. Unbelievably, we are talking about a third tight end for the Saints – Taysom Hill’s usage is too inconsistent to trust in your lineup. Not only that, but he is still not a lock to play this week. He’s always a wildcard, but don’t count on him in Week 6.