Kickoff: Monday, December 27, 8:15 PM ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Betting Odds: NO -3, 39 Total on Vegas Insider
Network: ESPN
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa (Sit, High-End QB2)
Tua Tagovailoa only attempted 27 passes last week, but that was simply due to Miami taking advantage of the Jets’ awful run defense. Tagovailoa is a part of one of the league’s most pass-heavy offenses, and against a potent Saints run defense, you can expect them to air it out on Monday night. That gives Tagovailoa a high floor, but due to his limited big-play ability (7.1 yards/pass attempt, 2.5% big-time throw), he still remains more of a streaming option than someone that has to be in your lineup. That being said, he’s definitely one of the better quarterbacks to stream.
Running Backs
Myles Gaskin (Start, RB2), Duke Johnson (Sit, RB4)
Any given Sunday, right? Who had Duke Johnson rushing for over 100 yards on their bingo card in Week 15? Did you even know he was on the Dolphins. According to the CBS broadcast of Jets vs Dolphins, the coaching staff was hesitant to give Myles Gaskin a full-time role due to him still recovering after being on the COVID-19 list. I’d expect him to get his lead role back this week, though it’s likely through the passing game where Gaskin will shine; New Orleans’ run defense is quite tough, and this could be a dud performance for Gaskin. Either way, you’re probably starting him.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
Jaylen Waddle (Start, WR2), Devante Parker (Sit, WR4), Mike Gesicki (Start, TE1)
After missing last week while being on the COVID-19 list, Jaylen Waddle will be back in action on Monday night. May I speak for everyone who is planning to watch this game when I say this is a welcome development? In his past three games, Waddle has seen a combined 30 targets, and is starting to be utilized more down the field. The Saints defense has struggled against the pass at times this year, so I’d expect a big game from him, while Devante Parker still is a big part of this offense and is a borderline start-worthy player. Mike Gesicki strangely didn’t see the normal elite snap utilization (62.5% snaps), but that all goes back to Miami being in a run-heavy approach. I’d expect him to factor much more into their plans this week, and fantasy managers can feel comfortable starting him.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterbacks
Taysom Hill (Start, Low-End QB1)
It happened folks! We finally saw a dud game for Taysom Hill from a fantasy perspective; he only scored 9.5 points in a 9-0 win on Sunday night against the Buccaneers. The offense overall struggled with just 3.5 yards/play, but the team was clearly playing conservative trying to hold a narrow lead. Hill still had 16.7 PFF expected fantasy points, which is a fine number for a down game. Remember, this is the same quarterback who has a top-five player in the two weeks prior; start him, even if it’s not a lock that he dominates.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB1), Mark Ingram (Sit, RB4)
To be honest, I’m a bit concerned about Mark Ingram’s involvement in this offense as it pertains to Alvin Kamara. Kamara only played 60% of the snaps, while Ingram (9) almost had as many carries as him (11). Kamara is an elite dual-threat talent, and with the offense opened up slightly more – perhaps with their starting offensive tackles back – he should get back to being an RB1. However, Ingram and Hill both make his outlook murkier moving forward.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Marquez Callaway (Sit, WR5), Tre’Quan Smith (Sit, High-End WR6), Adam Trautman (Sit, TE3), Nick Vannett (Sit, TE3)
This is a run-heavy offense with very poor passing efficiency, making it almost impossible to start any Saints pass catcher. Marquez Callaway appears to be Hill’s preferred option, seeing nine targets last week, but this is arguably the worst passing offense in the NFL. For the sake of your fantasy team, please look elsewhere.
All Stats via Pro Football Focus