The New Orleans Saints are hoping to have CJ Spiller healthy enough to return for Week 2 after missing the opening loss to the Cardinals. Drew Brees put up numbers and moving forward Brandon Coleman is a fantasy sleeper, while players like Mark Ingram, Josh Hill, Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston are the best team starters.
UPDATE: Spiller has returned, Brees was out for Week 3.
The Saints offense will put up numbers this season no matter how good or bad the team is, as Drew Brees and Sean Payton know how to rack up yards. The team added Spiller in the offseason to play with Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson, but so far he has not taken the field. Spiller is dealing with a knee injury and according to NFL.com, Spiller is "expected back" for Week 2 of the season. Spiller did not practice last week and the team will evaluate him this week to see if he is ready to go.
Spiller can provide a big boost for the running backs, as he is very skilled at catching balls out of the backfield. Payton likely is looking for Spiller to take over the role that Darren Sproles previously had before he was traded to the Eagles. Last season Spiller dealt with injuries and he has not played a full schedule since back in 2012. Spiller had 300 yards rushing last season to go along with 19 catches for 125 yards for the Bills in nine games. Spiller is currently "questionable" for the game on Sunday.
Brandon Coleman is shaping up to be a solid sleeper option for the Saints and he comes in after making four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals. Coleman is coming in as a second year player that was underrated and he could have a bit of a chip on his shoulder after finally getting a chance in New Orleans. Coleman has great size and he could be a prime redzone target for Brees now that Jimmy Graham is no longer in New Orleans.
The Saints have a solid matchup with the Buccaneers this week and the offense could be primed to put up some numbers. Cooks got off to a solid start with four catches for 49 yards and he is coming into this season with high expectations. Cooks played in 10 games last season and had 53 catches for 550 yards and he is focused on staying healthy for the entire season this year. Cooks had eight targets from Brees and he now is basically the number one wideout for the Saints.
Brees put up 355 passing yards on Sunday, but he only had one touchdown and threw an interception and he will be looking to rebound this week. Having Jimmy Graham gone is tough and now Brees has to rely on Josh Hill and Ben Watson has his main tight end options. Hill was not targeted in the game against the Cardinals and for now he is not a fantasy starter for the Saints. Watson had three catches for 19 yards and he is another low end option.
Check here for more on the Saints heading into Week 2.
