New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 14 times and made eight catches for 107 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He led the team in each category in his first action since suffering a concussion just minutes into Week 6's game against the Buccaneers. It was the first time the third-year wideout crossed the century mark this season and tied his season high in receptions. Olave failed to score in Week 8 which leaves his touchdown count for the season stuck on one. That may change in Week 9, though, as the Saints are heading to Carolina to face the Panthers. Olave had just two catches for 11 yards in the teams' lopsided matchup in Week 1 but should be more heavily involved in the next meeting.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 67 yards on 10 carries and had another 55 yards on six receptions in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the first time since Week 4 that Kamara had over 100 yards from scrimmage. The efficiency was a welcome change compared to the last three weeks when Kamara was gaining just 2.5 yards per carry. Kamara's first touch of the game was a 23-yard run, his longest of the season until he logged a 24-yarder in the fourth quarter. Kamara was also responsible for the Saints' longest play of the day, taking a screen pass 37 yards and showing great patience in staying behind his blockers along the way. In Week 9, New Orleans will take on the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1's blowout victory of Carolina, Kamara had 83 rushing yards and a touchdown and will again be a focal point for the Saints' offense.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener completed 9 of his 17 pass attempts for 122 yards and gained 10 rushing yards on two carries in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The second-year man out of Fresno State was brought in with just under five minutes left to play in the third quarter. Starter Spencer Rattler's inconsistent play demanded a change be made while the Saints were still in range of a comeback. Unfortunately, Haener was not able to spark the offense as was hoped and the team managed to add just another field goal with him under center. With three weeks of Rattler's struggles in the books and Haener not offering much of an improvement it is unclear who will be under center in Week 9. In postgame comments to the media, head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged Derek Carr (oblique) may be ready to play which would stamp out any brewing quarterback controversy in New Orleans and make both backups obsolete in fantasy.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 12 of 24 pass attempts for 156 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie's third start in place of Derek Carr (oblique) featured the same inconsistent play as was seen in his other appearances. Rattler avoided big mistakes in the first half and was effective in the two-minute drill, completing five passes for 51 yards to set up a Blake Grupe field goal. After halftime though, Rattler completed just two more passes on his next seven tries. With the offense sputtering he got the hook late in the third quarter in favor of Jake Haener, who closed out the game. When New Orleans first tabbed their fifth-round pick as Carr's replacement they indicated he would get a long leash to acclimate to the NFL. The result has been three weeks of erratic play and inaccurate passing. Carr is getting close to his return but if he needs more time off then the Saints have to decide if they will stand by Rattler or give Haener a shot as the starter in Week 9.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was activated from the non-football injury list earlier this month but has not played since then. Sunday represents the second consecutive absence for Edwards-Helaire, who is evidently behind Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele on the depth chart. The former LSU product can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.