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Game day update: The Saints will need all of the help they can get in this matchup, considering the road game, poor weather and lack of receiving depth. The Bears could be without a couple of key defensive pieces, as Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson remain questionable for this outing.
The New Orleans Saints will have a completely different wide receiver unit when they take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday. On Friday, the team announced that both Michael Thomas and Marquez Callaway will be out for Week 8. Thomas is working his way back from hamstring and ankle injuries. Callaway was a new addition to the injury report after catching eight passes for 75 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7.
Emmanuel Sanders is currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and there’s no timetable for his return. The veteran wideout tested positive and could possibly miss next week as well. That being said, Saints quarterback Drew Brees will have to lean on wide receivers Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Harris, Austin Carr, and swiss army knife Taysom Hill.
Fantasy Football analysis: Tre’Quan Smith, Saints WRs
In last week’s game against the Panthers, Tre’Quan Smith recorded four receptions (four targets) for 54 yards. He also played 81 percent of offensive snaps but scored only 5.4 fantasy points. That type of production doesn’t scream optimism, especially going up against a Bears’ defense, which is only allowing 222.3 passing yards per game.
Another wide receiver who will be looked upon to help out is special teamer Deonte Harris. The second-year wideout had four receptions (five targets) for 46 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. Even though his stat line is similar to Smith’s, that touchdown reception gave Harris 10.6 fantasy points. Lastly, there’s Austin Carr, who had one reception for six yards. With their wide receiver unit constructed as is, you could see the Saints use more two-tight end sets and get Alvin Kamara more work in the passing game.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Sit Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Harris, and Austin Carr.