The Week 4 match-up between the New Orleans Saints and the undefeated Buffalo Bills on Sunday, has left many fantasy managers with a mixture of celebrations. While the top-tier players mostly delivered, the overall output from New Orleans’ playmakers and the game’s concerning trends should be a red flag for those relying on a consistent Saints fantasy presence, especially going into week 5 against the Giants.
The 31-19 victory for the Bills highlighted a stark fantasy divide, with Buffalo’s stars proving their elite status, while New Orleans’ players saw their potential curtailed by frustrating red-zone failures.
The Bills’ Big Three Deliver (Again)
Unsurprisingly, the Bills’ top earners anchored fantasy lineups with MVP-caliber performances.
Josh Allen was the clear standout, packaging three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) on the way to a high-end QB scoring day. Allen was dominating. His ability to produce on the ground, including a 27-yard scramble that set up the game-sealing score, continues to make him a fantasy cheat code. Fantasy managers with Allen are breathing easy, though his first interception of the season did take a small bite out of his final tally.
James Cook continued his career-year, extending his Bills franchise record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown. His 117 rushing yards and score made him a top-tier running back for the week, providing the consistent volume and scoring that fantasy managers crave. “Chef James” was cookin’
The receiving touchdowns were split between Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid, with Shakir’s 43-yard score providing an early fantasy boost, and Kincaid’s late 28-yard touchdown demonstrating his high-leverage scoring ability. Both players provided solid, if not spectacular, fantasy totals, justifying their roster spots.
The Saints’ Lingering Concerns
The Saints’ side of the ledger, however, is a far more concerning story, despite a season-high in rushing yards for the team.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler managed a respectable fantasy floor, primarily thanks to his legs. He added 49 rushing yards to his modest 126 passing yards and one touchdown, resulting in a decent fantasy QB score around the mid-teens. Yet, his final passing stat line remains highly uninspiring for fantasy, failing to push his receiving weapons to significant totals. Despite having a decent day, Rattler and the Saints offense needs a lot work to maximize fantasy points for team managers.
The backfield saw some true hurdles, which is a major worry for the fantasy value of the unit’s veteran star. Alvin Kamara received the highest volume with 15 carries for 70 yards and 4 catches for 2 yards, netting him around 11 Fantasy Points (PPR). However, he was completely shut out of the end zone. The more efficient Kendre Miller managed 65 yards on 11 carries and broke through for the Saints’ only rushing touchdown, giving him the slight edge with around 12 Fantasy Points (PPR). The split workload and lack of consistent goal-line usage for Kamara is rapidly eroding his elite fantasy status.
Perhaps the most frustrating performance came from the Saints’ pass-catchers. Chris Olave caught a 3-yard touchdown, saving his day, but was limited to only 3 receptions for 20 yards. Other pass-catchers like Rashid Shaheed (4 receptions, 47 yards) and Juwan Johnson (3 receptions, 28 yards) saw solid volume, but their inability to translate touches into big yardage or touchdowns in the face of stifling red-zone offense capped their fantasy output. There is nothing worse than watching fantasy points slip away in the redzone.
The core problem, and the greatest concern for fantasy managers, is the Saints’ maddening failure to convert opportunities into touchdowns. Repeated drives stalled deep in Bills territory, resulting in just two field goals and a trick-play interception, robbing players like Kamara and Olave of high-value scoring chances.
While the Bills are an elite defense, the continued inability of the Saints’ offense to punch the ball in is a systemic issue. And that explains the 0-4 that the New Orleans Saints hold going into week 5. Fantasy managers relying on the Saints’ star power must temper their expectations until this critical red-zone inefficiency is resolved. Losing 4 consecutive games to start the season is bad for New Orleans. The stagnant offensive scoring is an emergency for fantasy lineups going into week 5 against the New York Giants. So, be very selective as to who you start and or sit from the Saints in week 5.
If you had Saints players on your roster, are they benched? How are you looking on points going into week5? Let us know in the comments below.
