Fantasy Football Player Notes

Those preseason concerns over Kamara seem foolish now, as he's totaled four touchdowns and four receptions through the Saints' first two games. He's the key cog in the New Orleans offense right now, especially with Michael Thomas battling a high-ankle sprain, and he should continue to be a top-four back in fantasy so long as he remains healthy.

Thomas suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Bucs, and he'll miss at least two weeks. There's no way around dropping Thomas fairly significantly in your rest-of-season rankings, but he's one of the toughest players in football, so unless you're blown away with an offer, don't sell low. He'll be elite once he returns, and since he wasn't placed on IR, the Saints are likely optimistic he can return in Week 4.

Cook's aDOT of 10.4 yards was second behind only Mark Andrews among tight ends who received at least 22 targets last year, and he scored an impressive nine touchdowns. But it's unlikely he can put up quite the same fantasy season again if he can't improve on his 43 receptions. With Emmanuel Sanders on board and Alvin Kamara fully healthy, Drew Brees will have plenty of other options in the passing game, meaning it's unlikely that Cook will see an increase in targets. In other words, draft Cook as a starting tight end, but consider him more of a low-end option despite last year's production.

It was more of what we expected for Sanders last week, as his target totals with the Saints are now 5, 3, 5. Knowing that Michael Thomas was out for two of those games should concern you about Sanders' reliability in fantasy. His two touchdowns will mask his low usage, though. Take this as your opportunity to get something for him.

Smith should be the primary beneficiary of Michael Thomas's high ankle sprain. Fantasy managers have been waiting for years for Smith to become a reliable option and this is his best chance to do so. If he's available on waivers, add him everywhere, but wait to see how the New Orleans offense plays out before starting him immediately.