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What to do with Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith in Week 10 fantasy football

We go over Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith’s fantasy football outlook ahead of the Saints Week 10 matchup against the 49ers.

By mitchelllapierre Updated
Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Jordan Whitehead and Sean Murphy-Bunting of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Gameday update: In his return to the football field, Michael Thomas did not have a single touchdown reception. But he was tied for the lead in team receptions (5) along with dynamic running back Alvin Kamara. This week, the Saints are going up against a Niners’ defense that has been hit hard by the injury bug. This season, San Francisco is giving up 22.7 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. ESPN projects Thomas, Sanders, and Smith to score 9.4, 6.0, and 3.4 fantasy points.

Of the five offensive touchdowns that the Saints scored against the Buccaneers in Week 9, only two went in the hands of wide receivers - neither of which were Michael Thomas. What can we expect to see from Drew Brees’ historically favorite target now that he got his return game out of the way?

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith

The two WRs who caught the TDs were Emmanuel Sanders (who also made his return to the field) and Tre-Quan Smith. Regardless, we really shouldn’t read too far into the stat lines from this game. It was an absolute blowout and Brees was able to spread the wealth however he pleased. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this performance was the target share. Michael Thomas immediately jumped to the top of the receiving list, tying Alvin Kamara with five catches on six targets. Meanwhile, Smith’s touchdown was his sole reception. Separately, Sanders saw five targets which is an encouraging sign for the WR2. Unfortunately, in tighter games, Brees tends to zero in on Thomas and Kamara, making Manny more of a third/fourth option next to TE Jared Cook.

The Saints take on the 49ers in Week 10. Both teams have run-heavy tendencies, and with New Orleans favored by nine points, we could see a runaway victory once again. It’s definitely not the most enticing game from a fantasy standpoint.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Michael Thomas. Sit Tre’Quan Smith. Only start Emmanuel Sanders as a FLEX option in deeper leagues.

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