Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 19th at 8:20 PM ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Betting Odds: NO +10.5, 46.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: NBC
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Taysom Hill (Start, Low-end QB1)
Taysom Hill has finally been handed the reins in New Orleans, and he’s done quite well with the increased role. Hill averaged 23.5 fantasy points per game over his last two weeks. He hasn’t been incredibly efficient in the passing game, but his rushing upside should keep him in the start conversation most weeks. The Buccaneers are allowing the third-fewest rushing yards this year, but the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The question for this week will be if Hill can reach impressive fantasy production in the run game or if the stout Tampa defensive front forces him to pass. I believe Taysom will do enough on the ground to reach low-end QB1 territory this week.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB1)
Patient fantasy managers were excited to finally have Alvin Kamara back last week, and the elite running back reminded us why he’s one of the best in the game with a 24.5-point fantasy total. The Buccaneers are pretty middle-of-the-road in fantasy points allowed to running backs this year and they are allowing plenty of passing yards as well. Even if the impressive Tampa rush defense makes running the ball difficult, Kamara should be able to produce through the passing game (especially considering there aren’t many receiving options in New Orleans right now). Alvin should be locked into all lineups anyway, but I believe he will be capable of another RB1 performance.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Marquez Callaway (Sit), Tre’Quan Smith (Sit)
With Deonte Harris suspended, Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith will lead the Saints’ passing attack. Neither of these guys has been consistent enough to trust, especially this late in the fantasy season. Callaway hasn’t reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 10, and Smith hasn’t since Week 11. These two shouldn’t be anywhere close to a starting fantasy lineup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Tom Brady (Start, QB1)
The ageless wonder is showing no signs of slowing down. Tom Brady is the overall QB2 on the season and should continue his dominance through the fantasy playoffs. I think it’s safe to say that TB12 is immune to match-ups at this point. Brady had his second-best fantasy performance of the year last week against the Bills (the team allowing the fewest points to quarterbacks). Continue starting Brady with extreme confidence.
Running Backs
Leonard Fournette (Start, RB1), Ronald Jones (Sit)
Leonard Fournette has been tearing it up the last three weeks, averaging over 29 PPR points per game over that span. Perhaps the most encouraging sign has been his consistent involvement in the passing game. The Saints are allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this year, but I wouldn’t be too concerned. New Orleans is middle-of-the-road in passing yards allowed, so Fournette should have the opportunity to produce through the passing game. Leonard should be capable of yet another RB1 performance this week.
Ronald Jones has been almost completely irrelevant the past two weeks. That isn’t much of a surprise considering how well Fournette is playing, but it’s worth noting that Jones is a valuable handcuff for fantasy managers with Leonard on their team.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Chris Godwin (Start, WR1), Mike Evans (Start, Low-end WR1), Rob Gronkowski (Start, TE1)
Chris Godwin has been playing great since his stinker in Week 12. He’s averaging 25.35 fantasy points per game over his last two. It’s hard to definitively say if Godwin or Mike Evans is a better receiver. They are both incredibly talented, but Godwin gets the slightly higher ranking mainly because he’s getting an insane target share with Antonio Brown serving a suspension. Chris averaged a whopping 16 targets per game the last two weeks. Evans isn’t seeing as many targets, but the big man is a popular end zone target for Brady. The Saints are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this year, so both Godwin and Evans should be in line for big days.
Rob Gronkowski was right back to his old self when he returned to the field four weeks ago. Over the last four games, only George Kittle and Mark Andrews have more tight-end fantasy points. The Saints have done well against tight ends (allowing the ninth-fewest points to the position), but the match-up won’t be enough to downgrade one of the best tight ends in the league. Fire up Gronk and expect another TE1 performance.
-Ryan Kruse (@ryanpkruse)