The New Orleans Saint bounced back in 2013 from their poor 2012. The return of Sean Payton from his yearlong suspension due to the bounty scandal was a huge boost to the team. Finishing 11-5 and second in the NFC south, the Saints made a return to playoffs and won their first ever road playoff game in Philadelphia before their season ended in Seattle a week later. 2014 will see the Saints look to go further this year and will be aiming to get to the Superbowl.
New Orleans Saints Fantasy Outlook
Quarterback
Drew Brees is a monster fantasy Quarterback. Three consecutive 5000+ yard season (five total) allows Brees to rack up the fantasy points for owners. 2014 looks to be no different. With weapons like Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and 1st round pick Brandin Cooks, Brees looks set to have another phenomenal year. Brees will be one of the first Quarterbacks taken in most leagues.
Running Backs
The Saints back field will be a three headed monster in 2014 with Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson all sharing carries. Thomas looks to possible take a reduced role in rushing the ball this season however his ability in the passing and screen game should see him as a valuable asset for the Saints. Thomas will most likely be a good bye week fill in. After two and a half years of poor performances Mark Ingram started to show why the Saints drafted him in the first round towards the end of last season, racking up 145 yards against Dallas and having impressive games against Philadelphia and Seattle in the playoffs. If Ingram can carry this form forward he could be a sleeper at the running back position. Khiry Robinson also looked impressive in the 2013 post season and comes with the Bill Parcells seal of approval. Expect him to spell Ingram early on and even take more carries if Ingram struggles.
Receivers
The Saints have a good young receiving corps. Marques Colston and Robert Meecham add experience to the youth of Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks, Nick Toon and Joe Morgan. Colston is a dependable fantasy wide out and is a good number 2 or number 3. Kenny Stills had a very impressive rookie season and can take the top off the defense but can be hit or miss so is likely to be no more than bye week cover in most leagues. Brandin Cooks could be a break out star and his likely involvement in the scree game could add value, especially in PPR leagues. Toon, Morgan and Meecham may have some good weeks but are unlikely to see enough targets over the course of the season to make them fantasy relevant.
Tight Ends
Jimmy Graham is the most valuable Tight End in fantasy football. Putting up numbers like a number 1 fantasy wide out he is extremely valuable to owners. Going in the first round in many leagues Graham put up over 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013 despite injury Graham could well be set to eclipse those numbers in 2014. Benjamin Watson is a solid back up to graham and will get an occasional touchdown when in two Tight End sets but does not have enough value to be drafted.
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