The upcoming matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New Orleans Saints presents several exciting factors to consider when predicting the game’s outcome. This article will dive into the key fantasy players, performance expectations, and betting recommendations based on the provided player rankings, injury updates, and player props.

Game Lines

Saints are coming into this matchup favored by -2 at home with a 40-point O/U. Trevor Lawrence is a game-time decision, along with potentially a pair of starting offensive linemen set to miss tonight’s game versus a top-10 NFL defense. However, with the Saints’ untrustworthy offense, the line feels far from a lock. I have more interest in the O/U of the week. The Saints have gone under every game this year. Combined with the offensive uncertainties from a health perspective from the Jaguars the under becomes my bet of the game.

Quarterbacks: Trevor Lawrence and Derek Carr

Trevor Lawrence, ranked as my QB14, is facing a knee limitation. Additionally, the Saints’ defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Considering these factors, it is advisable to lean towards Lawrence underperforming in this game. He has only finished as a QB1 once this season already anyway. Suggested streamers this week would be Sam Howell or even Matthew Stafford if available. 

Derek Carr, ranked as my QB18, is set to face a struggling Jacksonville defense that has allowed the second-most passing yards this season. Carr has surpassed the 235.5 passing yards mark in three out of six games. Given his recent 353-yard performance, it is reasonable to think Carr’s shoulder woes are behind him. Hence, betting over the passing yards mark for Carr seems like a prudent move.

Running Backs: Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara

Travis Etienne, currently ranked as my RB7, is going against a formidable New Orleans defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs and the ninth-fewest rushing yards. Although Etienne has hit the over on the 60.5 rushing yards mark three times this season, the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Lawrence‘s injury and poor matchup suggests tempering expectations. It would be wise to avoid betting on the rushing yards over/under for Etienne. Although, he stays of course as your RB1 in your lineups. 

Alvin Kamara, ranked as my RB10, faces a decent Jacksonville defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points and the fifth-fewest rushing yards to running backs. With Jamaal Williams potentially returning and potentially impacting Kamara’s workload, it is better to stay away from betting on Kamara’s rushing yards line until there is more clarity regarding his carry volume.

Wide Receivers: Calvin Ridley, Chris Olave, Christian Kirk, and Michael Thomas

Calvin Ridley, currently ranked as my WR23, will face a tough matchup against the Saints’ Marshon Lattimore. Ridley has gone under the receiving yards mark in four out of six games, and he has been out-targeted by Christian Kirk. Considering these factors, it would be best to avoid betting on Ridley’s receiving yards line.

Chris Olave, ranked as my WR10, is in a favorable position against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the sixth-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Olave has surpassed the 61.5 receiving yards mark in four out of six games, making the over a reasonable bet.

Christian Kirk, ranked as my WR17, is expected to have a better matchup against the secondary of the Saints. He has hit the over for receiving yards in four out of six games, indicating a solid performance. Betting on Kirk going over the receiving yards mark seems like a reasonable choice.

Michael Thomas, ranked as my WR39, has hit the over for receiving yards in four out of six games. While his ranking suggests a lower expectation, his consistent performance suggests betting on Thomas going over the receiving yards mark.

Tight Ends: Evan Engram and Taysom Hill

Evan Engram, currently ranked 8th, has exceeded the over-for-receiving yards mark in four out of six games. However, the Saints have allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to tight ends. With conflicting factors at play, it is advisable to abstain from placing a bet on Engram’s receiving yards line.

Taysom Hill, ranked as my TE20, saw his greatest production as a true TE last week. While I would not seek to plug him in my lineups, the usage could continue with Juwann Johnson missing. If it does we may be streaming Taysom Hill sooner rather than later.

For more content from Dan Mader, host of the MD’s Fantasy Football Show, visit the youtube channel, or get the edge by viewing his industry-accurate rankings here.