New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson tied teammate Taysom Hill (knee) to lead the team in receptions and targets in Sunday's loss to the Rams. Johnson logged five catches on seven receptions for 36 receiving yards, which was good for second-most on the team (tied with Marquez Valdes-Scantling). The bulk of Johnson's yardage came on a 21-yard catch early in the fourth quarter. Hill suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter and it may cost him multiple weeks. While that would thin out the Saints' depth at tight end, it won't necessarily result in increased production from Johnson. Despite New Orleans' season-long struggles with injuries to its pass-catchers, Johnson has been fairly quiet. His five catches on Sunday were the most he had since Week 5. Johnson's prospects for Week 14's matchup against the New York Giants are not great. In 2024, the Giants have allowed the second-fewest receptions and fourth-fewest receiving yards to opposing tight ends and just one touchdown to the position.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara handled 23 carries in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Rams, gaining 112 yards on the ground. He also caught four of his six targets for seven receiving yards, which was a new season-low. It was his third 100-yard rushing day of 2024 but the talented back extended his scoreless streak to a sixth game, his last trip to the end zone being in Week 6 against the Buccaneers. Kamara nearly got off the schneid with a 12-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter but the score was nullified by a penalty. Already one of the most frequently used players in the league, the Saints are likely to lean on Kamara even more going forward after Taysom Hill (knee) picked up an injury in the fourth quarter that may sideline him for multiple weeks. Kamara's next matchup suits him well. In Week 14 he will go against the New York Giants, who just gave up 112 yards and a touchdown to Rico Dowdle on Thanksgiving and have allowed the eighth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs this season.

Despite recording his most passing attempts and second-highest completion total of the season, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr finished with a mediocre line in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Rams. Carr went 24-for-37 for 184 yards (his third-lowest total of 2024) with one touchdown. The touchdown went to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, their fourth connection for a score in the Saints' last three games. Once again, the duo linked up on a deep shot, with Carr hitting his man from 28 yards out. Despite the Rams' vulnerability against deep passes, most of Carr's attempts were quick crosses and outs for short gains, his touchdown pass being the only completion of four attempts to clear 20-plus air yards. The Saints face the Giants in Week 14, though it will be tough to trust Carr as a bounceback candidate. New York has held opposing quarterbacks to 213.3 passing yards per game this year and has allowed just 12 passing touchdowns.

Updating previous reports, New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (knee) was carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury that the team fears is season-ending, according to sources. Hill will undergo an MRI exam on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, but the Saints aren't expecting good news. Before being carted off at the Caesars Superdome, the do-it-all offensive player had five rushing attempts for 10 yards and caught five of his seven targets for a team-high 37 yards through the air. Hill's seven targets and five receptions were tied for the team lead. The 34-year-old had 138 rushing yards and three TDs before the team's Week 12 bye and is by far the team's most versatile offensive weapons, so losing him for the rest of the year would be a big blow for the Saints' offense. Juwan Johnson will be worth waiver-wire consideration this coming week.

News Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (knee) will undergo testing to determine the severity of the knee injury he picked up in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 34-year-old was knocked from the contest late in the fourth quarter after appearing to take a helmet to his left knee as he attempted to pick up a first down. Unfortunately, Hill was ultimately carted off the field. It'd be unfortunate news for the team if he were forced to miss time, as he's been a force this season in his do-it-all role for the Saints. Before his exit from the matchup, the eighth-year hybrid athlete totaled ten yards on his five carries while leading his team with five receptions and 37 yards on seven targets.