New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
- NFC South
- Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Offensive Coordinator
- Pete Carmichael
- Defensive Coordinator
- Dennis Allen
- Special Teams Coach
- Dan Rizzi
- Defensive Scheme
- 4-3
New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead and left guard Andrus Peat (concussion) will not play in Week 12 against the Broncos. Armstead tested positive for COVID-19, according to sources. This probably would've had more of an effect on pocket quarterback Drew Brees, but this is bad news regardless for the Saints offensive line, quarterback Taysom Hill and running back Alvin Kamara against a Broncos defensive line that has performed above expectations in 2020, considering some of the key losses they've had due to injuries. Hill will have a tougher time against Denver, but he should still be considered a low-end QB1 for his rushing prowess. Kamara has been one of the best fantasy backs all season long and should remain locked into starting lineups as long as he's healthy, although Hill could take away some rushing opportunities.
New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz is a fantastic start this week against the Broncos. Lutz has gone 19-for-21 in field-goal attempts this season and 34-for-34 in extra-point attempts. The Broncos allow the third-most points to fantasy kickers, meaning Lutz is a solid play this week.
The New Orleans Saints Defense is one of the strongest plays of the week heading into Week 12. The unit compiled eight sacks and two picks against a normally potent Falcons offense last week. Now facing the Broncos this week, this unit has the potential to make some real noise against a Denver offense that features a young and turnover-prone QB in Drew Lock.
New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook should be considered a lower-end TE2 in Week 12. Cook has struggled the past two games, only getting one reception for six yards on three targets. In nine games played this season, the TE has only eclipsed 50 yards three times. His role has been smaller than many fantasy managers had hoped for this season, and this makes Cook a risky play going forward. Only start him this week if you are lacking other options at TE, but it's worth noting the Broncos present a stiff matchup for fantasy TEs.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders should only be considered a flex piece this week against one of his former squads, the Broncos. Sanders has been streaky this season, to say the least. The WR posted four receptions for 66 yards on five targets last week but only had six total targets in the two games prior. In addition, the WR has only gotten more than 56 yards in four of eight games played. That sort of inconsistency makes him a risky play, and thus he should only be worthy of a flex play this week against a Broncos team that is middle-tier against fantasy wideouts.