Fantasy Football Player Notes

Despite paying Travis Etienne, this is a pass-first, second, and third team. With nothing happening in the run game, Tyler Shough has had to sling the rock around the yard. Thankfully, when you have a talented receiver like Chris Olave and a mind meld with Juwan Johnson, this isn't a bad strategy. Averaging 11 targets and 125 yards per game, Olave is tied for the league lead in targets and second in yards. This week, they face a rejuvenated Falcons offense and middling defense. The Falcons have allowed the fewest rushing yards per game; however, the fourth-most passing yards. This is perfect for an offense like the Saints. Get ready for a high-flying game this Monday Night.

Juwan Johnson was an amazing late-round selection this summer. He has been producing as the TE4 in fantasy points per game. Johnson has a 13.6% target share, 1.73 YPRR, SIX red zone targets, a deep target, and a 17.2% first-read share. Atlanta has held tight ends to the 12th-fewest yards per target, but they have allowed three receiving scores and the eighth-most fantasy points per opportunity. Johnson is a rock-solid TE1.

Devaughn Vele was due for a down week, and it happened last week, but he is still the WR23 in fantasy points per game. Vele has a 16.7% target share with 1.32 YPRR, three red zone targets, four deep targets, and a 20.4% first-read share. Vele faces an Atlanta secondary that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate (64.7%). Against single high, Vele has an 18% target-per-route run rate and a strong 1.91 YPRR. Vele is a solid flex play with a tough matchup. Atlanta has held slot receivers to the fifth-fewest yards per target and the second-fewest fantasy points per opportunity this season.

Alvin Kamara looks to be New Orleans' lead back while Travis Etienne is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Last week, after Etienne was out of the game in the fourth quarter, Kamara played 55% of the snaps, handled 71.4% of the rushing attempts, had a 46.2% route share, and zero targets. Kamara will be a volume play weekly. He hasn't been efficient or explosive this season with only a 5.6% explosive run rate, 1.78 yards after contact per attempt, and a 6% missed tackle rate. I expect Kendre Miller to work in on early downs so Kamara isn't asked to handle too many touches. Kamara is an unsexy volume flex this week with a bad matchup. Atlanta has allowed the lowest explosive run rate, the fifth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the have the fourth-best stuff rate.