Fanelli’s Fantasy Files: New Orleans Saints Bold Fantasy Predictions

While the 2021 NFL season is still months away, it is never too early to prepare for the fantasy season. Whether it’s research, mock drafts, or going with your gut, everyone has a way to prepare for their fantasy drafts. However, this isn’t another article to help you prepare for the fantasy season. Today, I am going to give three bold fantasy predictions for the New Orleans Saints in 2021.

All stats are base on PPR scoring.

Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Predictions.

Taysom Hill Finishes as a Top-12 Quarterback

First off, Hill will have to beat out Jameis Winston for the starting quarterback role. However, assuming he does, Hill is in an excellent position to finish as a top-12 quarterback. In his four starts last season, Hill averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, removing the ugly matchup against the Denver Broncos, Hill averaged 22.3 fantasy points and 252 passing yards per game. The biggest draw to Hill is his rushing ability. In his four starts, Hill averaged 9.8 rushing attempts for 52.3 rushing yards, one touchdown, and 11.2 fantasy points per game on the ground. With a healthy Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara by his side, combined with a dominant offensive line, Hill is in a perfect situation to finish as a top-12 quarterback.

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Adam Trautman Scores Eight or More Touchdowns

Over the past two seasons, the Saints have relied on Jared Cook to lead their tight end room, totaling 16 touchdowns in 29 games, scoring at least seven in each season. However, in the offseason, the Saints let Cook, opening the door for 2020 third-round pick Trautman to take over as the starting tight end. Over the past three seasons, the Saints have thrown an average of 9.3 touchdowns per season to their tight ends. Furthermore, the Saints lack red zone weapons outside of Thomas and Kamara. Despite limited work last season, 20 percent of Trautman’s catches came in the red zone. With Cook out of the picture, expect Trautman to turn into the Saints’ go-to weapon in the red zone and score eight or more touchdowns.

Michael Thomas Finishes as a Top-Six Wide Receiver

Last season was the first time since 2016 where Thomas didn’t finish as a top-six wide receiver. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his 2020 season before it could get started. Like many wide receivers, Thomas’ fantasy value comes in his volume of catches and catch rate. From 2017-2019, Thomas averaged 126 catches and a 78.4 percent catch rate. With Drew Brees now working for NBC, the Saints will have a massive downgrade at quarterback this season. However, don’t expect it to impact Thomas. In the four games without Brees last season, Thomas had an 80.9 catch rate and averaged 16.4 fantasy points per game despite not scoring a touchdown. Whether Hill or Winston is under center, expect Thomas to rebound this season and return to his elite level of play.

Editor’s Note – Update: Michael Thomas will miss the start of the season recovering from surgery.

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