Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 9th, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Betting Odds: NO -5.5, 46 total via PFF.com
Network: FOX
Writer: Chuck Steele (@ChuckSteele_T2T on Twitter)
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Geno Smith (Start QB2)
Geno Smith and the Seahawks have done better than most of us thought they would do. Leading the Seahawks to a record of 2-2, Smith has shown the ability to not only support the Seahawks but also your fantasy team. So far this season, Smith has at least 30 attempts in every game besides the season opener, completing a league-high of his passes amongst starters with 77.3%. Averaging 259.25 yards per game, along with just over one touchdown per contest, this week you can start up Geno Smith as a QB2 against the New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans proves to be a tough defense, especially against the pass, where they allow the 9th fewest passing yards per game. Smith still has two proven veteran wideouts on the team, and the Saints are no easy task to score on, but Smith has found success against tough defenses before. In Week 1 when the Seahawks played the Broncos, Geno didn’t pour on the yards only throwing for 195 on the day but he did complete 23 of his 28 passes and tossed two touchdowns on a tough Broncos secondary. Smith is a smart quarterback with great wideouts. Geno Smith is a safe QB2.
Running Backs
Rashaad Penny (Start, Flex), Ken Walker (Sit)
Last week Rashaad Penny had himself a game, looking like the Penny of the end of last year who was a league winner for managers last year. Taking 17 handoffs for 151 yards and two scores on the ground. Can you cash in with Penny again in Week 5? I wouldn’t get my hopes up high for a repeat performance, but Penny is start-worthy for a flex, with the upside of an RB2. Penny is averaging 5.98 yards-per-carry but doesn’t see enough carries to pump him up to the RB1 that he was in the fantasy playoffs last year only getting 12.2 carries per game. The Saints are only giving up 13 points to the running back position, good for ninth-best in the league. It’ll be hard for Penny to find space, but after last week’s performance he’s ready for the challenge, just don’t get excited about a repeat outcome. Rookie Ken Walker should remain on your bench until he’s able to log more touches.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
D.K. Metcalf (Start, WR2/WR3), Tyler Lockett (Start WR2), Will Dissly (Sit, TE2), Noah Fant (Sit)
With the Seahawks being one of the more effective passing teams in the league within the first four games, the two Seattle star receivers have been producing nicely for fantasy teams. D.K Metcalf is coming off his first finish as a WR1, getting his share in the high-scoring matchup versus the Detroit lions. He tied his season high in receptions with seven but could dance to a tune of 149 yards this time unlike week one. In Week 5 he should be able to keep his contributions, as he goes up against a Saints defense that gives 21 points to Wide receivers per game. With most games looking to be playing from behind, the passing attack for Seattle should continue.
Metcalf is not the only one who produces for the Seahawks at the position. Tyler Lockett has been at least a WR3 every game this year besides week one, with two of the finished being a WR2. Lockett has been consistent for the Seahawks and often gets overlooked for D.K Metcalf. With two wideouts in Seattle capable to put up big games, each should be able to find space against the Saints’ secondary.
Will Dissly is a touchdown-dependant tight end and a good thing for fantasy managers he’s been scoring those touchdowns, helping him land as TE1o on the year. As long as Geno keeps on giving him scoring opportunities, he feels good to start in your lineup as a TE2. Noah Fant scored last week, but everyone had a piece of the pie in the Lions/Seahawks game. With his little involvement, he’s a sit this week against the Saints.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston (Start, QB2), Andy Dalton (QB2 if Winston is Out)
Jameis Winston was held out of Wednesday’s practice, but he manages to suit up against the Seahawks, he’s a start as a QB2. The Seattle Seahawks are one of the worst teams defending the pass this year, giving up the fourth-most passing yards this year, and most yards per attempt at 8.7. Winston is throwing for 286 yards per game and is licking his chops to up that average against the weak Seattle secondary, we just hope we get to see him play this Sunday to make it happen.
Last week Andy Dalton had a solid game for the Saints, filling in for the injured Jameis Winston just not by fantasy’s standard, throwing for 236 yards and one score, good for 13.74 points. If Dalton starts I’d consider starting him due to the fact he’s facing the Seahawks, though the now journeyman QB feels like a borderline sit/QB2 on the week.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB1), Mark Ingram (Sit)
Alvin Kamara was a surprise scratch last week, leaving many fantasy managers upset who weren’t up early enough to see the inactive. Being in a limited practice Wednesday, it seems Kamara is on track to return this week against the Seahawks. If he does, start him, for he’s an easy RB1 on the week. Giving up the fourth-most rushing yards per game, and the second-most red zone trips on the year, the star running back has a chance to come back and turn the slow start to his season around. Playing in just two games, he’s only averaging 12 attempts and 50 yards per game and is looking for his first trip to the endzone. The usual heavily involved Kamara has the matchup we like to see as fantasy managers.
Mark Ingram can be sat this week with Kamara working his way back and signs pointing for him to resume his starting running back role.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
Chris Olave (Start, WR2), Michael Thomas (Start, WR3/WR2), Jarvis Landy (Sit, Flex), Taysom Hill (Sit/TE2), Juwan Johnson (Sit)
The Saints have a trio of reliable receivers. Chris Olave has settled into the pros very well, leading the team in targets, receptions, and yards while being tied for first in touchdowns. He gets a juicy matchup against the Seahawks who are giving up the fourth most passing yards per game. Even with Dalton at the helm, Olave was able to pull off 67 yards and score and could get his starting quarterback back.
Michael Thomas did not practice Wednesday. Thomas has started his comeback season started with a bang, scoring three times in his first two games. In Week 3 he caught all five of his targets but was injured in the game resulting in him missing Week 4. If Thomas suits up, he should be looked at as a WR3 with the upside of a WR2.
Jarvis Landry started his career with the Saints with a bang, catching 7 passes for over 100 yards but has since cooled off. Landry can be sat this week, seeing fewer targets each week with the progression of Chris Olave. However, if Michael Thomas misses another game, Landry can provide some FLEX value to lineups.
Taysom Hill should be sat if Alvin Kamara and Jameis Winston are both back, but if either misses time, you can expect to see Hill in several packages as a gadget player. A little quarterback, some running back, and why not a tight end? Hill will always be a dart throw but can greatly change a fantasy outcome if you hit a bullseye. Juwan Johnson can remain benched for Week 5.