Already without starting QB Jameis Winston, the Saints offense took yet another hit Friday as the team announced they would be without the services of RB Alvin Kamara and LT Terron Armstead. While Kamara is not expected to be out long term with a knee injury, there is no guarantee he’ll be ready to go next week either.
New Orleans currently ranks 28th in the league offensively, and 31st in passing offense. Without Winston, Kamara, and Michael Thomas (who had yet to suit up for a game this season but will miss the remainder of the 2021 schedule) the Saints will rely on Trevor Siemian, Mark Ingram, and a patchwork of receivers to carry the offensive load.
Mark Ingram immediately goes from serviceable bench stash to must start for fantasy football owners. Without much of a passing game to speak of, the Saints will likely rely on check downs, screens, and their run game to get the job done. While Ingram’s best days are certainly in the rear view mirror at this point, he’ll have fantasy appeal even in shallow leagues based solely on the volume of touches he’s likely to see.
Tennessee has given up the 10th fewest points to opposing running backs this season in fantasy football, though they did just give up 94 rushing yards to the Rams in a game where Los Angeles was passing almost exclusively by the 2nd quarter. Ingram is familiar with the Saints offense and looks renewed in black and gold after his stint with the lowly Texans.
While you shouldn’t expect miracles out of the soon to be 32 year old back, we’re a bit more bullish on his output in PPR leagues than Yahoo! is currently giving him credit for (currently projected for 10.62pts in 0.5PPR leagues). Suit up Ingram with confidence as a high upside FLEX or a solid RB2 option in your fantasy leagues, and see if he can flirt with the 15pt mark this weekend.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner