New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

With Derek Carr (hand) out another week, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has been named the starter by the New Orleans Saints for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. In five starts this season, Rattler has two touchdowns to three interceptions and has averaged 171.8 passing yards per game. He has also lost three fumbles. Rattler clearly needs more seasoning before he can truly take the reins of an NFL offense and the Saints are using this opportunity to get him some live reps. Despite a matchup against one of the worst teams in the league and the potential return of Chris Olave (concussion), there is no reason to roll the dice on Rattler suddenly putting it together. Even in two-QB leagues, Rattler should be avoided in fantasy football's championship round.

According to John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Olave was able to log three consecutive full practices this week, which puts him in a good position to return to action. The top wideout has been sidelined since suffering his second concussion during their Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Saturday, as Olave will need to be activated off the injured list ahead of Sunday's game. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season, Olave tallied at least 80.0 yards in four of the six full games he played in this season. If Olave can return to action, he should be viewed as a decent flex option given that he is the lone proven option in this passing attack with Spencer Rattler under center.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kamara was unable to suit up last weekend and will attempt to turn the corner in time for their final matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the 29-year-old could not practice all week, which is not a promising sign for his status. Through 14 games this season, Kamara has averaged a strong 18.9 PPR points per game. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Kendre Miller to get the starting nod in the backfield. Last weekend, Miller tallied just 15 yards on eight carries and 16 yards on two receptions. While Jordan Mims and Jamaal Williams may have a decent role, Miller will likely log the most snaps and is a viable low-end flex option.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 33-year-old will miss his third-straight game and set his sights on returning during the final week to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr sustained this hand injury during their Week 14 victory over the New York Giants. Carr was also unable to return to practice all week. As a result, rookie Spencer Rattler will get another start. Last week, the 24-year-old threw for just 153 yards and added 28 yards on the ground during their loss to the Green Bay Packers. While he is not a viable option in 1QB formats this weekend, he should be in a better position to succeed as top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) was able to return to practice this week and is in a good position to suit up despite his questionable tag.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Johnson may need to be a full-go on Friday to avoid a questionable tag on the final Week 17 injury report, but he has a pretty good shot of being active this Sunday when the team hosts the Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old has been on the injury report for weeks with his foot injury but hasn't missed any time, so it's obviously not all that serious. The last two weeks with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler running the offense, Johnson has caught only four passes on five targets for 39 yards and no touchdowns. The Saints have a plus matchup this weekend against the Raiders, but with Derek Carr (hand) trending toward missing a third straight game, we can't realistically recommend Johnson as a TE1 play in one of the worst offenses in football.