New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees (Quarterback): There is a solid chance Brees plays this week but how effective he will be is questionable, especially with the way he has been playing lately. Brees is going up against one of the best defenses in the league injured and the matchup is just that simple. His offensive line has not been good enough to give him enough time to make good throws and target his main offensive weapons so the story should change against Carolina. Even if Brees is able to play he could reinjure that shoulder mid game so it would be best to bench him this week.
Brandin Cooks (Wide Receiver): Cooks has been disappointing and there is no way around it. Owners may feel like they have wasted a high value pick on such an unproductive player but Cooks is the best wide receiver on the Saints. He is a constant deep threat but the Saints offensive line needs to keep Brees upright for him to deliver accurate passes. The trust is there but the protection is not. It is tough to sit Cooks but he would only be recommended as a flex option at this point.
Mark Ingram/CJ Spiller (Running Back): Ingram lost a fumble in week 2 and his points were not as impressive as other running backs out there. Ingram will have a tougher time against this Panthers defense and his only real value comes from his use as a check down for Brees and as a the running back in this offense who gets the red zone touches. Spiller's role has yet to be defined and could change depending on the situations with the other 2 backs on the roster. Right now Ingram is the RB1 and Khiry Robinson is the RB2 , Spiller is in more of a Darren Sproles role but because of his injury he has yet to see any significant playing time. Spiller should be benched in all leagues.
Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton (Quarterback): Newton should have a lot of fun with this Saints defense. The holes in the secondary are incredibly vast and Newton should be able to use his legs to get a ton of yards. Newton is a QB1 for this matchup.
Jonathan Stewart (Running Back): Stewart did not practice on Wednesday and continues to be limited before what might be his best matchup of the season. Stewart should be on a limited snap count but a strong flex option regardless.
Greg Olsen (Tight End): Olsen got 14 targets last week so against this depleted Saints defense it is almost a lock that he scores in week 3. Olsen has a great matchup and is a TE1 this week.
