Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, December 5th, 8:15 PM ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Betting Odds: TB -3.5, 40.5 total via PFF.com
Network: ESPN
Writer: Estevão Maximo (@estevao_maximo on Twitter)
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Andy Dalton (Sit), Jameis Winston (Sit)
You really don’t need me for this one, right? Right? Instead, let’s take a moment to reflect on the fact the Saints once again are in a dire position to look for a realistic QB upgrade, especially via the draft, because they decided to mortgage a future first to go out and draft Chris Olave.
Now, Olave is the real deal, and you have a WR1 for the next decade, but what good is that without a QB? For the sake of Saints fans, I hope this organization has a realistic plan to improve this QB room for 2023 and beyond, because what they have got going on right now is not the answer.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB2)
Scratch the game against the Raiders. You and I have the same number of touchdowns as Alvin Kamara on the 2022 season. Zero, unless you’re an NFL player reading this which would be very cool, leave a comment if so. Anyways, getting back on track, that hasn’t been what AK has done post an injury-riddled start to the year.
Despite the lack of touchdowns in a mediocre offense, the floor is there for production that turns into RB2 status in the passing game, something very similar to what happens in his opponent’s backfield for this Monday Night Football. However, you definitely drafted Kamara as an RB1, and you’re definitely frustrated with the outcome this year.
The best you can hope for is that Kamara maximizes on those targets, with a similar production to which he put up last Sunday, with six catches on seven targets for 36 yards.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Chris Olave (Start, WR2), Rasheed Shaheed (Sit), Juwan Johnson (Start, TE2), Taysom Hill (Sit)
The first round pick out of Ohio State had extra pressure on him for this rookie season, given the massive haul the Saints franchise had to give up in order to get him, and he has done as much as a wide receiver in a bad offense can do to live up to those expectations.
Olave is averaging over eight targets per game, has three 100+ yard performances on the season, and with no Michael Thomas is by far and away the best receiving threat in this offense, and has been the most consistent rookie wideout. Beyond Olave, your best option in this offense is to ride the touchdown train of Juwan Johnson, who’s catapulted his way into borderline low-end TE1 status with five touchdowns in his last six games.
For as much cult hero status as Taysom Hill gets, he busts way more than he booms, with virtual irrelevance in 75% of his last four games. Now, any week can be the one in which he maximizes on a very small window of opportunities to get nine rushing attempts and turn them into 3 scores with 112 yards, as he did against the Seahawks, but almost always, there isn’t going to be anything there.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady (Start, QB2)
The Bucs passing attack has the most passing attempts in the sport, and the fewest interceptions, and who’s to say that’s even a good thing. This offense is definitely not functioning as well as we all had hoped for, and expected, maybe if it was, there’d also be more picks involved, as there were in previous seasons.
Brady is laboring with this group, and the hits to the offensive line are certainly a primary factor for these struggles, still, the volume will always be there for at the very worst a decent QB2 play, which is what we have to give him at this particular point against the Saints.
Running Backs
Rachaad White (Start, RB2), Leonard Fournette (Sit)
It only took a trip to Germany, but Rachaad White season finally came in the form of 22 carries and over 100 yards. We have an one game sample size to determine that White has taken over as the lead back, but the fact it was the best game by a Bucs back in 2022, well, it should indicate that White season is here to stay.
However, Lenny is likely to return next week, but until he shows he has taken back the lead role after this injury, we have to go with White, and even if the production won’t be as great as it was on the ground against the Seahawks, any Bucs running back with significant work, is just a massive PPR merch waiting to happen, and ultimately that’s what White and Fournette are battling for.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Chris Godwin (Start, WR2), Mike Evans (Start, WR2), Julio Jones (Sit), Cade Otton (Sit)
Even though Marshon Lattimore probably isn’t playing and every Mike Evans shareholder can breathe with a sight of relief, it doesn’t totally erase the disappointment with a player who hasn’t scored since Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The dropoff in this Bucs offense has indeed affected Evans, and Godwin is actually the wide receiver you should feel more comfortable as a WR2.
Finally getting settled in following a massive injury that cut short his 2021 season, Godwin has been that PPR merch for Tom Brady in these last few games. Since week 6, Godwin has double-digit targets in all, but one game, and he finally popped, catching 12 balls for 110 yards and a score last week against the Browns.
Julio Jones showed some promise in week one against Dallas, but there hasn’t been much there since, and he’s a clear sit.
Cade Otton had more tackles than he did targets last week, so no, you’re not starting him.
Thought on Pats DST this week over Minnesota? Could be 4-5 sacks and a couple TO’s no?
I’m sitting the Pats D against Buffalo. I would rather play Minn
got to start one if Fields can’t go – Marcus Mariota or Kenny Pickett
They are so close. I will go with Pickett. Pitts D is giving up the fewest points to quarterbacks while ATL is giving up the 10th most. Both Qbs have some rushing upside. Pickett has 265 passing attempts and Mariota has 276 yet he has played 11 games and Pickett had played 8 but really only 7, higher volume for Pickett and better matchup
You have Davante listed as a WR2 but describe him as a high-end WR1. Which one is it?
He should be a WR1. I updated the article