I will be at the Saints/Rams game tonight in SoFi Stadium, and yeah, the last time I went to a Saints vs Rams game Taysom Hill scored a touchdown. Everything after that I have decided to omit from my memory for the safety of those around me.
Naturally, being at the game, one must have a lineup. And with it being a Showdown game, one must have many lineups. So here’s my thoughts on both teams tonight.
SAINTS
New Orleans has cleaned up a lot of the little things on offense recently, but then they also got to play the Panthers and Giants at home the last two weeks so that helps anyones rushing game look better. While Chris Olave is back tonight, they are still without RT Ryan Ramcyzk and that will show up a play or two tonight allowing the Rams D/ST to have a decent sack game here. New Orleans getting into third and long will result in a punt 90% of the time today and a turnover on 8% of the other situations.
Let’s get the obvious pick out of the way. Yes, Taysom is a full go tonight. They generally do not run him heavy three weeks in a row and with his foot flaring up a couple weeks ago they managed to get through the last two games without using him much (he sat vs Carolina, and was VERY limited last week vs the Giants as they didn’t need him much). But in a road game environment he’s a must use player for them as a RB and also as a QB today (I expect a deep pass to Shaheed). His total usage tonight should be 2 pass attempts (and when he passes, they do it for a big shot), 6-8 rushes and 3 receptions. He’ll finish over 10 fpts without needing a touchdown.
RAMS
I believe many will look at the Rams and assume you need a WR against the Saints without Lattimore. But New Orleans has been good on the backend, with most of the troubles coming when their DB get penalties for … well, lets just not talk about why in this match-up. The fantasy production comes from using RB and TE against New Orleans who has only 2 LB on the field at most times and so playing depth at the DB spots gets exploited there. This all leads to Tyler Higbee and Kyren Williams likely being the best TD scorer options for the Rams.
PLAYER POOL THOUGHTS
Quarterbacks: Derek Carr, Matt Stafford
I doubt either will suck so bad that anyone with them in lineups is dead, but I cannot see any scenario where BOTH of them wind up on the best lineups. That said, Carr is likely very chalky at his cheap price.
Running Backs: Alvin Kamara, Kyren Williams
It’s hard to go with Jammal Williams here for New Orleans and Royce Freeman just doesn’t get the usage when Kyren is healthy. Kendre Miller should return for New Orleans tonight, but he won’t get more than 3 touches total, so outside of using him for a ‘cheap’ filler I wouldn’t be expecting much
Wide Receivers: Cooper Kupp, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell
Speed kills the Saints defense, which the Rams don’t really have. But shifty and unconventional route running is their next achilles heel and a good reason for Lattimore to just be like, nah, I’m not coming back yet. I know for a fact there will be a big catch and run to setup a 1st and goal for Kupp or Puka, but I couldn’t give you a logical reason as to which guy. So if doing multiples balance Kupp/Puka, but do not play both.
Ever since Carr acted like a little baby yelling at Olave he has decided to feed him the ball 100% of the time, to the point where he gets him hurt and then Shaheed takes over. A lot of folks are gonna see Shaheeds recent decline and maybe look elsewhere. This is a Sheed game. He’s healthy and he’ll be a main staple in their game plan.
Tight Ends: Taysom Hill, Tyler Higbee
Two of the best plays on the board tonight. Dont love Juwan Johnson, nor do I believe in Jimmy Graham here, nor Foster Moreau
Defense/Kickers: All in play
Total sacks tonight between the two teams should be over 6, so I believe either of those can be used and both kickers are gonna figure into this game as well. I’m leaning on us getting some points but a 26-23 final score is one where you have potential for 7 field goals total.
Value Fill Ins: There are none.
To build a lineup with a QB, Kamara/Kyren, Kupp/Olave mixtures you would need some sub 1k value options. But this slate has NONE. The cheapest guy who might touch the ball is Kendre Miller at $1500. Could one win this slate with a $200 0 and then some high end production elsewhere? Absolutely, just pick your captain wisely
FAVORITE CAPTAINS PICKS
- Taysom Hill – Duh
- Kyren Williams
- Tyler Higbee
- Rashid Shaheed
- Cooper Kupp
- Alvin Kamara
FAVORITE ROSTER CONSTRUCTION
- DST/K: 1
- TE: 1-2
- WR: 2
- QB/RB: 1-2
BETS
- Rams win 26-23
- Shaheed over 32.5 receiving yards
- Higbee over 23.5 receiving yards