The New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams will take part in arguably the most fantasy football-relevant game in Week 2. Both teams are facing each other in a rematch of last year's testy NFC Championship Game.
The Saints began the season by defeating the Houston Texans in a phenomenal game that came down to the final moments. After Drew Brees led a surgical final drive, Will Lutz was able to deliver on a game-winning 58-yard field goal as time expired.
On the other hand, the Rams also began with a victory in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Jared Goff didn't look stellar in his first game of the season, but he made plays when he needed to.
Considering all of that, here are the best and worst fantasy football options in this high-scoring affair.
QB's
When looking at this game, you can't go wrong with either quarterback being in your fantasy lineup this week. Drew Brees showed on Monday night that he is still capable of delivering in big moments at 40 years old.
Against the Texans, Brees was able to total 370 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Saints' 30-28 win. With Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara to target in the offense, don't be afraid to insert the veteran quarterback in your starting lineup.
As for Goff, the fourth-year quarterback didn't have the same day Brees had in Week 1. Goff finished the game versus the Panthers with just 186 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Despite his early struggles, Goff has performed well when playing against the Saints. In four career games against the Saints, the Rams quarterback has averaged 314 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
RBs
Along with the quarterback position, this game will be filled with fantasy goodness at the running back position. First and foremost, there's no reason why you shouldn't be starting Alvin Kamara and Todd Gurley this week.
Since entering the NFL in 2017, Kamara has become one of the NFL's most versatile weapons on offense. The Saints' running back is tough to contain but the Rams did a decent job in last season's NFC Championship Game.
Kamara managed just 15 rushing yards but was also able to haul in 11 receptions for 96 yards. However, in last year's regular-season game, the elusive running back had 116 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
Every single week, we are likely going to have people questioning the health of Todd Gurley. In Week 1, Gurley owners were frightened to see Malcolm Brown score the two rushing touchdowns the Rams had.
Despite not scoring in Week 1, Gurley looked fresh as he rushed for 97 yards in the game. Don't overthink it; start Gurley and Kamara in Week 2.
WRs
On the Saints side of this game, there is only one wide receiver you should trust in fantasy football. Michael Thomas is Brees' favorite target; and no one else sees a consistent share of targets.
The only circumstance you should consider playing Ted Ginn or Tre'Quan Smith is if you're in a deeper league. Then, it may be worth the risk to take a flier on those guys to score a touchdown.
For the Rams, all three of their main receivers are in play in fantasy football this week. Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp are all consistently utilized in the offense and should all have success on Sunday with the Saints being inconsistent in their secondary (outside of Marshon Lattimore).
TEs
The toughest position to gauge in fantasy football is easily the tight end. In this game, neither team has a tight end who is an absolute ‘must-start' in fantasy football.
The Saints signed Jared Cook this offseason to provide another option in the passing attack. Regardless, in Week 1, New Orleans targeted Cook three times for 37 yards.
On the other side, the Rams have two tight ends they utilize in their offense. If you have to choose between Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, take Higbee.
DST
The marquee matchup between the Saints and Rams in Week 2 is expected to be a shootout between two offensive juggernauts. Therefore, it's likely a wise decision to avoid both of these team's defenses this week.
The Saints allowed 28 points to the Texans in Week 1 with Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins stuffing the stat sheet. The Rams struggled to contain Christian McCaffrey, who accumulated 209 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
All in all, unless you're expecting to get a zero from your defense, don't play either of these defenses in fantasy.
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