The best damn breakfast tacos in the world can be found in San Antonio, TX (this is a scientifically proven fact). I spent 23 years of my life in that beautiful city, and since moving away I have never been able to find anything in the spectrum of equivalent to those bean and cheese, chorizo and egg, greasy soaked-bag morning treats. I tried every “breakfast taco” and “breakfast burrito” joint in every city with every pocket of Mexican and tex-mex staples. I even tried making them at home to see if my culture would just miraculously flow through my veins instinctively with the ingredients, finding an unlocked talent from deep within my heritage and seeing the secret recipes in my head - just like the moment Alan realized he could count cards at the blackjack table in The Hangover. Through all these trials it took decades to eventually unlock this crucial life lesson: you can’t bring home with you. Don’t go looking for quality jambalaya in Cleveland, or fresh gulf-shrimp in D.C. Take the best of where you are. 

    This unnecessary lengthy bridge into how this applies to the early-but-not-too-early world of fantasy football might simply be because I’m starving right now, or it just might be too much of a silly metaphor to stomach – regardless, here’s the Saints “homers” you need to think about when planning the New Orleans loyalty into your fantasy draft strategies:

DEREK CARR – QB

    It might be tempting to buy in to arguably the biggest off-season signing for New Orleans. Carr is entering the dome with the catching 1-2-punch of the anticipated return of Michael Thomas and 2022 standout receiver Chris Olave (more to come on these guys), along with joining a coach he has a seemingly positive and trusting relationship with. With that, ESPN predicts the Saints also hold the 2nd-easiest schedule, proving to give Carr some groundwork as he eases into his new situation. It’s a juicy pick with a potential high ceiling, and most managers probably won’t consider him as a top piece to follow as their QB1 based on the output he’s delivered in his career.

    Last year, Carr yielded his 2nd-lowest QB rating since 2014 with a 60.8% completion rating even while partnered with all-star Devonte Adams. He has been sub-par fantasy-wise through most of his career, and definitely fell out of the top 20 rankings last year, making Carr solidified as a strong streamer or backup QB in most leagues. He is surrounded by an objectively better situation this year, yet I wouldn’t jump to trust a much higher ranking entering 2023 just yet. 

Personal QB PPR Rank: 20

ALVIN KAMARA – RB

    Off-season troubles have unfortunately shadowed the outlook of this once-perennial star back. With a not-so-great 2022 year within a position that typically trends down at his age, you combine a looming suspension that really creates some doubt in what we should expect from Kamara. 

    As a player, Kamara can, and probably will, still deliver if he gets the chance to do so. Even though his tag of one the most reliable and best RB fantasy assets has dwindled, let’s not forget his 14-pt average he banked last year given probably one of the less-talented offensive groups the Saints have had with him at the helm. He did show more struggles with his solely-running capabilities given that much help did not come from the OL, and also with time this is expected. 

    As a reliable pass-catching back, Kamara can easily thrive as a solid RB2 option. Williams in the mix makes for an intriguing combo for the backfield, but it’s hard to ignore the possibility of a major suspension impacting Kamara’s worth. I still would slightly rank him above his newfound partner only based on sheer talent and tenure, but stay close to this one as I wouldn’t be surprised if legal troubles push schedule (or even team) changes. 

Personal RB PPR Rank: 28

CHRIS OLAVE - WR

    The WR25 had a sensational rookie year being thrust into the No. 1 role for the Saints. EPSN Analytics ranked him 7th in open rate behind Stefon Diggs, 15th in target share and 10th in target per route run rate in the NFL. He is now at the mercy of a stronger QB presence and will hopefully be able to lean on veteran Thomas for a longer period of time (which I think will only help the young WR if it happens).

    There might be doubts in Carr’s effectiveness as a consistent passer, or even that MT is on the horizon and might compromise the target rate for Olave, or even more-so that he will be left pretty-much alone again as the No.1 option (more likely), yet I see all of these situations as major positives for Olave’s value. He has the juice to shine in big moments and will seemingly have a few upgrades in the arsenal around him, especially outside his receiving buddies. There’s really little doubt to have with this 2nd year stud. If there are any homers to bank on, this is easily the guy.

Personal WR PPR Rank: 11

Michael Thomas – WR

    The once-warrior Achilles of New Orleans, 2019 was a long time ago, yet it still lingers as a sliver of hope for maybe what we can still get a taste of. Thomas has played eight games since that historic season (yes, in total). The trust is gone, and even with a 1-year, $10 million contract and a new (better?) QB at the helm, I simply can’t place this beloved receiver inside the top 50.

Now…imagine a world where all the stars align, all bones are healed and MT is able to keep a stash of “Michael’s Secret Stuff” in the locker room for before each game. There is a sleeper here – everyone has the same doubt I do, so everyone will pass on Thomas. Given Olave’s attention and a stronger offensive front, those stars aligning could provide a fruitful reward. The question is – is the risk worth it?

Person WR PPR Rank: 57

JAMAAL WILLIAMS – RB

    Williams remains my favorite New Orleans fantasy prospect to ponder. He boomed in his 6th year as a back, capitalizing as a bruiser for Detroit at goal-line opportunities that allowed him to excel as the RB2 behind D’Andre Swift. He also has showcased some strong pass-catching capabilities in Green Bay, those of which Derek Carr has seemingly been able to capitalize on throughout his career (ESPN stats show that Carr’s RB’s in the past nine seasons have finished within the Top-10 of target share). That combination can be a tasteful one, especially if we see Kamara miss any time at all. 

    The ceiling is pretty high with Williams, but there is much unknown until we get closer to the season’s start which also makes his floor a little lower than I’d like. I do have confidence in his usage and impact being immediate. I also expect the impact to be less than what he was able to deliver last year, yet there is still room to know that we have a more positive-than-negative mindset in the reality of he can deliver. Talent alone drops my confidence in Williams being a powerhouse more than a low RB2/strong RB3 at the end of the day. I do hope for more than my expectations, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Williams finds himself inside the Top 20 depending on several of those unknown factors. Fingers crossed. 

Personal RB PPR Rank: 30

NEW ORLEANS DST – DEF

    I feel like I need to say something here, however there is not much to add. The defense will not be the worst of the pack, boasting an easier-than-last year schedule and a solid core that has the potential to boom depending on the opponent (think major defensive pieces like Jordan, Granderson, and the hopeful potential of Payton Turner). They also are unfortunately not a 49ers or Bills squad that you pretty much will play weekly, regardless of who it is against. I wouldn’t re-tool your strategy to ensure you solidify the Saints Defense in your roster, yet they will probably be a reliable play in more weeks than most. 

    I like to think that if you are not lucky enough to get the top 2-3 DEF squads during your draft, lean on streaming where you can, and plot and plan a few weeks ahead to have some high-reward opportunities. New Orleans will presumably be a solid option in many weeks, so pay attention to schedule here, but also assume that many players might hold on to this squad once drafted for consistency’s sake. If you do land them, let’s see if the season plays well and don’t immediately jump to drop/stream given the upside here. 

Personal DEF PPR Rank: 12

    There are some honorable mentions I didn’t get to: Juwan Johnson or Taysom Hill at the TE spot? Speaking of Hill, will we see the swiss-army usage we got to experience last year? I wanted to start with the obvious and I am sure we will have some 2022 Hill-like outcomes that make me throw these initial rankings in the garbage. Even so, there’s some important building and re-building that is happening with this squad that will make for a fun year. Follow your pride and love your team, but be smart with your fantasy assets when you look to draft. A common mistake is being the “homer” who loves their team too much and relies on the undeniable over-confidence we like to place on our beloved team’s players and potentials. 

    That considered, the Saints do have some great and intriguing fantasy options that have the potential to shine if all goes well. It might be a little early to create fantasy draft strategies (except for Dynasty Leagues), but it’s never too early to start prepping. Just remember to be flexible. Now get some tacos. 

Follow me on Twitter @RobSalin