New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara's production slowed in recent weeks. Kamara averaged 18.4 PPR points in the first six weeks of the season, but in Weeks 7 through 11, his fantasy score dipped to 12.4 per game. The Saints' Week 12 bye brought Kamara a welcome break, and now he gets to square off against a Los Angeles Rams defense that Saquon Barkley just gashed for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Too bad New Orleans doesn't have the blocking the Eagles do, but Kamara will see steady volume. On the season, he is averaging 16.6 carries and 6.6 targets per game. The Rams have given up 4.59 yards per carry and a league-worst 92% catch rate to opposing running backs this year. Kamara is a must-start regardless of his matchup and he is set up well for a solid rebound in his return from the bye.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr will look to keep the good times rolling against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. In the two games preceding New Orleans' bye last week, Carr threw for 517 yards and four touchdowns with a 71.2% completion rate. Up next, the Saints take on the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed opposing quarterbacks at least 15 fantasy points in four of their last five games. The matchup suits Carr's play style well. Carr is tied with two others for the sixth-highest rate of throws of 20 or more air yards and the Rams have allowed the fourth-highest completion rate on such throws. Carr might not have what it takes to push into the top 12, but in Week 13 he is worthy of a start in formats that utilize two quarterbacks.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks found paydirt for the first time since Week 1 during the team's Thanksgiving win over the New York Giants. He hauled in three of his seven targets for 16 yards and a touchdown. This was his first game back after a seven-game absence and he tied his season-high in targets. Despite his lack of production, Cooks averages 6.5 targets per game this season. His next chance to capitalize on those targets will be against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) and tight end Foster Moreau (shoulder) were both limited participants for a second consecutive practice on Thursday. Williams has missed three games in a row, but it appears he has a chance to return in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. If so, he would back up Alvin Kamara but remain off the fantasy radar in most leagues. Kamara will handle the bulk of New Orleans' carries, and Taysom Hill could also get involved out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Moreau hasn't missed a game this season, but he's had a quieter role on offense, catching just 15 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns through 11 games. He can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues, especially as long as Juwan Johnson is healthy.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday and was also removed from the final Week 13 injury report, suggesting that he'll be active for the Thanksgiving game on Thursday versus the division-rival New York Giants. Cooks was limited on Monday and Tuesday before upgrading to full participation on Wednesday. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher needed surgery for a knee infection earlier this year and hasn't played since the first meeting against the Giants on Sept. 26, when he went for only one catch on four targets for 16 yards. Cooks' return is good news for Dallas' offense, but with quarterback Cooper Rush now running the show, he'll have even less fantasy appeal for the rest of 2024 and could operate as the No. 3 wideout on Thursday behind CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert.