Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Network: CBS
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson: SIT
Shedeur Sanders:SIT
It was reported on Wednesday that Deshaun Watson was placed in concussion protocol and Shedeur Sanders would start for Cleveland against the Saints. Yayyyyy. It’s appropriate, because if you’re depending on Watson or now Sanders in fantasy, your only chance is to pray. Sanders should be picked up in Superflex leagues in case he ends up startable, but there’s no chance you start him right away.
Running Back
Quinshon Judkins: START, RB2
Dylan Sampson: SIT
Jaleel McLaughlin: SIT
I wish that Quinshon Judkins were just a little more efficient (3.4 yards per carry) or explosive (5.9% explosive run rate). He’d be locked in as an easy RB1 against a Saints defense that’s given up the most points to the position, allowing the second-highest yards per carry and a league-worst stuff rate of 12.2%. He could end up in the top 12 for sure, but there’s way too much unnecessary risk considering the matchup and role. Dylan Sampson has recently emerged as a low-end FLEX play with back-to-back games of 10+ points. But despite the matchup, I’m sitting Sampson due to the Saints ranking 20th in receptions per game to running backs. The majority of Sampson’s production has come through the air.
Wide Receiver
Denzel Boston: START, WR3
KC Concepcion Jr: FLEX, WR4
Jerry Jeudy: SIT
There really isn’t much of a value change for Denzel Boston or KC Concepcion with Sanders under center. Concepcion came back to earth in Week 8 after a career-best game the week prior. Boston saw a season-high 11 targets versus the Steelers and caught six of them, but totaled just 37 yards. They’re both boom/bust plays, but Boston has the significantly higher ceiling. It’s an average matchup, but the Saints have allowed the fourth-most completions of 20+ air yards this season. If Sanders is able to ship it up to Boston, a spike week is in play.
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr: START, TE1
Harold Fannin Jr. had enough of the disrespect following his back-to-back sub-two-point games. Fannin’s finished with 14 or more in each of his last two and caught career highs in catches (10) and yards (154). The Saints are a top-10 matchup as well, making Fannin an easy TE1 on the week.
Defense/Special Teams
Cleveland Browns: STREAMER
The Browns are a usable streaming defense against New Orleans. The Browns are top 10 in sacks, and the Saints have the sixth-most giveaways per game.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Tyler Shough: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
The Shough Truck headed into the Saints bye looking a little more like the Struggle Bus, but Tyler Shough wasn’t as bad as you may remember. He was in Week 5. But as abysmal as it was, we can explain away his negative fantasy performance against the Vikings defense. He threw for less than 200 yards against the Giants, but scored four times. And against the Steelers, Shough completed 30/38 pass attempts for nearly 300 yards, but only got into the end zone once. I don’t like this week’s matchup against the Browns, a bottom-10 matchup on the season and a bottom-two over their last three. But he’s played well enough to still be started in Superflex and has a couple of juicy matchups in the coming weeks.
Running Back
Alvin Kamara: FLEX, RB3
Kendre Miller: SIT
Alvin Kamara is barely hanging onto FLEX viability thanks to his work in the pass game (shocker, I know). The problem, however, is that Cleveland is one of nine teams allowing fewer than four catches per game to the position and a mere 17.5 receiving yards per game, fewest in the league. His locked-in role keeps him in FLEX consideration, but don’t expect much from Kamara against the Browns.
Wide Receiver
Chris Olave: START, WR2
Devaughn Vele: FLEX, WR4 (SIT if Tyson active)
Jordyn Tyson: IR (FLEX if active)
Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele have produced more often than not this season, but could struggle to hit their usual production against the Browns. Cleveland allows less than 200 passing yards per game, has allowed just two 100-yard receivers this season, and no touchdowns to receivers in their last three games. Olave is a weekly lineup staple, but Vele is a very risky FLEX. Jordyn Tyson is practicing on Wednesday and could make his NFL debut as early as this week, but he’s a risky FLEX himself as he’ll likely be eased back in if active.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson: SIT
Juwan Johnson has a total of 23 yards over his last three games, and Tyson is returning soon. It was fun while it lasted.
Defense/Special Teams
New Orleans Saints: STREAMER
Cleveland gives up the most sacks and scores the fourth-fewest points per game.