New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (chest) is listed as questionable for the Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson sat out practice to open the week, but was able to get in two limited practice sessions after that. The assumption is that the Saints are just being cautious with Johnson and that he'll be good to go for Sunday. Johnson has been heavily utilized in this offense recently. He has seen 19 targets over the last two games. DFS players might want to look his way as a possible cheap option for this weekend.

New Orleans Saints rookie kicker Blake Grupe put together a strong fantasy output in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, converting 2-of-2 extra points and 3-of-3 field goals. Prior to the win, Grupe had only attempted two field goals in four weeks. In a game that is projected to be a lower-scoring game, Grupe should be passed on for other kickers in Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons. While the rookie has been perfect on extra points, he has only converted 80% of his field goal attempts this season.

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill saw a slightly increased role in Week 17 as he continued to work his way back from injury, scoring his second receiving touchdown of the season. With Alvin Kamara (ankle) not practicing all week and Juwan Johnson (chest) also banged up, the opportunity for Hill to get involved both on the ground and through the air should arise. The Atlanta Falcons surrender 20.3 points per game to opponents, ranking ninth-best in the league. Hill offers upside due to potential increased usage, but the statuses of Kamara and Johnson should be monitored before plugging him into lineups.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has been consistently inconsistent for fantasy managers in 2023. The second-year receiver has seen varied usage levels throughout a season in which he has grabbed 43 catches for 654 yards and four touchdowns. Shaheed holds his typical boom-or-bust label heading into a Week 18 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, who surrender the fourth-least fantasy points per game to the receiver position. Due to the inconsistent nature of his usage, Shaheed is best left on benches but always offers intriguing big-play ability.

New Orleans Saints second-year receiver Chris Olave (ankle) has been cleared of his injury designation following limited participation in Wednesday and Thursday's practices. This will be the third-straight game that Olave will suit up for after missing Week 15 with the injury. While he disappointed last week with just three receptions for 26 yards, Olave should be thrust back into lineups for Week 18. Atlanta has allowed the fourth-least fantasy points per game to opposing receivers, but Olave will remain the top receiving option for quarterback Derek Carr.