Fantasy Football Player Notes

With Deshaun Watson dealing with a concussion, Shedeur Sanders will be the starting quarterback for the Browns this week. Last year, in Weeks 12-18, with Sanders starting, he was a QB1 in weekly scoring only once. Last year, among 38 qualifying passers, Sanders was 30th in yards per attempt, 37th in passing success rate, and 23rd in hero throw rate. Yes, I know there's not much to be positive about in that sample, but we did see flashes from Sanders with a 364 passing yard outing (three passing scores) against the Titans. Sanders also had at least 20 rushing yards in each of his final five games last year, so there's some rushing production here to chew on. Last year, it was tough to evaluate Sanders behind a patchwork offensive line and with only Harold Fannin to throw to as a serviceable pass catcher at times. Sanders has a rebuilt offensive line to operate behind this season and plenty of skill talent around him. The Saints' pass defense has been horrible. Sanders should post solid QB2 numbers this week, and I wouldn't be surprised if he flirted with low-end QB1 production. Over their last five games, New Orleans has allowed the fourth-most yards per attempt, the 11th-highest passing touchdown rate, the seventh-highest passing success rate, and the tenth-most fantasy points per dropback.