New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is in line for another start when the team kicks off the Week 7 slate on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Regular starter Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful on the Saints' final injury report but the eleven-year veteran did not practice at all this week. In his professional debut last week, Rattler went 22-for-40 on pass attempts for 243 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The rookie also fumbled (and recovered) his second snap of the game but was otherwise surprisingly efficient for most of the first half until the Buccaneers defense started to turn up the heat. Rattler faces an uphill battle in Week 7, going against a defense that ranks second in total sacks (22) and is allowing just 16 points per game to opposing offenses. He will also be without the services of Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) who have been declared out, making Rattler a risky play in the first game of the week.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful to play on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Carr has been dealing with a torn oblique that cost him the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr has not practiced all week and so it is interesting that the Saints have not officially ruled him out for Thursday. The listing as doubtful leaves the door cracked for Carr to play but it seems highly unlikely at this point. All signs suggest that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his second start on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Saints will be without Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion). If Carr cannot go, then his next chance to retake the field will be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) will not play on Thursday night due to a concussion. Olave suffered a concussion last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status next week before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave has struggled to find consistency at times this season but has eclipsed double-digit PPR points on three occasions and tallied a season-high 20.6 points in Week 3. In addition, No. 2 wideout Rashid Shaheed (knee) will also sit out. As a result, fantasy managers looking for a replacement option should consider adding rookie Bub Means, as he saw an impressive eight targets last weekend and could lead the New Orleans passing attack.

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) is set to undergo meniscus surgery on his knee, according to Nick Underhill. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him on the field anytime soon. Shaheed may also be placed on the injured reserve if he is expected to miss at least four games. Shaheed was enjoying a nice breakout campaign as he scored at least 15.0 PPR points in four out of the six games he has played in. The Saints will now be without their top two wideouts on Thursday evening, with Chris Olave (concussion) already ruled out. As a result, Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will likely lead the New Orleans air attack for now.UPDATE: Shaheed is officially out for Thursday's game against Denver.