What to do with Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders in Week 11 fantasy football

Game day update: There are no Falcons defensive injuries of note at this point that will affect the fantasy value of Thomas and Sanders. This all comes down to what Taysom Hill can do. For now, ESPN projects Thomas to have 13.0 points and Sanders to have 6.7 points in PPR leagues. Tre’Quan Smith is projected at 3.5 points and Deonte Harris is at 2.5 points.

It’s hard to believe that any wide receiver from the New Orleans Saints has been a disappointment in fantasy football, but that’s really just the kind of year 2020 has been. Normally a sure thing, Michael Thomas has struggled to produce since returning from injury, and there’s another wild card to factor in this week with Taysom Hill taking over as the starting quarterback.

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders

In two games back Thomas has had just 78 yards on seven catches. It obviously hurt his production levels when Drew Brees got hurt last week, but it’s a tough situation for fantasy. Thomas is one of those players who’s usually matchup proof, too good to leave on the bench no matter what. That still holds true this week since he can be a real scoring threat and they’re facing the Falcons and one of the league’s weakest pass defenses. But with Hill at quarterback he’s unlikely to put up big yardage totals. Or maybe the Saints will rotate Jameis Winston in at quarterback; we just don’t know. For now, he’s a WR3, and someone who’s hard to sit.

Sanders’ outlook isn’t much better with the QB situation. He had just five yards on one catch last week. You’re probably best to leave him out of your lineup this week.

It helps that the Saints are playing the Falcons who are bleeding points to wide receivers. Surely, even with Hill starting, Thomas can produce some points, which is why he probably has to stay in lineups this week, despite the unknowns here.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Michael Thomas. Sit Emmanuel Sanders.