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Saturday update: The Saints officially activated Michael Thomas off injured reserve to the 53-man roster.
The New Orleans Saints fell short of the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and they’ll be playing during Wild Card weekend. If you’re deciding what to do with wide receivers Michael Thomas and/or Emmanuel Sanders, let’s take a closer look at their fantasy value.
Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Michael Thomas ($6,300), Emmanuel Sanders ($5,000)
Thomas was placed on the injured reserve with an ankle injury in Week 14, but he appears to be ready to play as he heals from an ankle injury. In the last game without Thomas, Sanders caught nine of 13 passes that went his way for 63 yards with a touchdown.
Despite his first game back in a while, Thomas comes in as the third highest priced receiver among those competing in Sunday games at $6,300. On the other side, Sanders is listed at $5,000 as the ninth most expensive wide receiver.
The Saints wideouts will match up against the Chicago Bears, which rank 12th in the NFL against the pass this season, giving up 231.6 yards per game through the air. They allowed 240 yards to Aaron Rodgers in Week 17.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Starting Thomas might be a bit of a risk but if he was at full strength coming into this game, his price would likely be much higher, so he could be a buy low option. For Sanders, Drew Brees went his way a ton last weekend and maybe that connection continues on Sunday. If you’re in a fantasy league that rewards players for moving on through the playoffs, going with either receiver is probably a good idea because the Saints are the biggest favorite of the Wild Card weekend.