Kellen Moore’s Playbook: Can He Supercharge the Saints’ Fantasy Fortunes?
The New Orleans Saints are betting on a fresh offensive vision, and all eyes are on new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. After a disappointing 9-8 season, marked by offensive inconsistencies, the Saints brought in Moore to revitalize their attack. But what does this mean for fantasy football enthusiasts? Can Moore unlock the dormant potential in the Saints’ roster and turn them into a fantasy goldmine?
Moore’s Track Record: A History of High-Octane Offenses
Kellen Moore’s coaching journey has been marked by a commitment to aggressive, pass-heavy offenses. During his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, the team consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring and yardage. In 2019, the Cowboys led the NFL in total offense, averaging an impressive 431.5 yards per game. Moore’s ability to design creative plays and maximize the strengths of his personnel was evident in Dallas, where he helped Dak Prescott develop into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
However, his time with the Los Angeles Chargers was less impressive. Despite having Justin Herbert at quarterback, the Chargers’ offense struggled to find consistency, leading to Moore’s departure after just one season. This mixed track record raises questions about whether Moore’s system can be universally successful or if it requires specific personnel to thrive.
The Saints’ Offensive Arsenal: Talent or Fantasy Fodder?
The Saints’ offense possesses intriguing pieces, but their fantasy value has been largely untapped. Quarterback Derek Carr, coming off a season with 3,878 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, is the key to unlocking the offense’s potential. Carr’s performance will be crucial in determining whether the Saints can become a reliable source of fantasy points.
Alvin Kamara remains a focal point in the Saints’ offense, despite his age and recent dip in production. Kamara’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver makes him a valuable asset in PPR (points per reception) formats. In 2020, Kamara had a career-high 83 receptions, showcasing his potential as a receiving back. However, his rushing numbers have declined in recent years, raising concerns about his long-term fantasy outlook.
The Saints’ receiving corps features Chris Olave, a rising star who has quickly become Carr’s favorite target. Olave’s route-running prowess and ability to create separation make him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. In his second season, Olave recorded over 1,100 receiving yards, establishing himself as a legitimate WR1 in fantasy football.
The Saints also have veteran Michael Thomas, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. When healthy, Thomas is one of the league’s most productive receivers, but his availability remains a major question mark. If Thomas can stay on the field, he could provide a significant boost to the Saints’ passing game and fantasy value.
Fantasy Football Projections: Boom or Bust?
So, what can fantasy football managers expect from the Saints’ offense under Kellen Moore? The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle. Moore’s track record suggests that he can design an explosive passing attack, which bodes well for Carr and Olave. However, the Saints’ running game may take a backseat to the passing game, potentially limiting Kamara’s upside.
Quarterback: Derek Carr could emerge as a solid QB2 with the potential for weekly QB1 upside. Moore’s system should allow Carr to showcase his arm talent and make more aggressive throws downfield.
Running Back: Alvin Kamara’s fantasy value is more uncertain. While he will still be involved in the passing game, his rushing workload may decrease, making him more of a PPR flex option than a reliable RB1. Jamaal Williams will likely serve as the primary early-down back, further limiting Kamara’s opportunities.
Wide Receiver: Chris Olave is the clear WR1 in the Saints’ offense and has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy receiver. His connection with Carr should continue to grow, making him a valuable asset in all fantasy formats. Michael Thomas’s fantasy value is highly dependent on his health. If he can stay on the field, he could be a steal in the later rounds of drafts.
Tight End: Juwan Johnson is a sleeper pick at tight end. Moore has been known to utilize the tight end position in the red zone, which could lead to increased touchdown opportunities for Johnson.
Kellen Moore’s Impact: A Make-or-Break Season
Kellen Moore’s arrival in New Orleans represents a significant opportunity for the Saints’ offense. If he can successfully implement his system and maximize the talent on the roster, the Saints could become one of the league’s most exciting and productive offenses. However, if the offense struggles to find consistency, it could be another disappointing season for the Saints and their fantasy football counterparts.
The Saints’ success hinges on several factors, including Carr’s ability to adapt to Moore’s system, Kamara’s continued involvement in the passing game, and the health of key players like Thomas. Fantasy football managers should monitor the Saints’ training camp and preseason games closely to get a better sense of how Moore plans to utilize his personnel.
Ultimately, Kellen Moore’s impact on the Saints’ offense will be a major storyline to watch in the upcoming season. Whether he can turn the Saints into a fantasy football juggernaut remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.