New Orleans Saints Top 5 Fantasy Players in 2016
Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) stiff-arms Dallas Cowboys strong safety Barry Church (42) on his way to a game-winning, 80-yard touchdown in the first overtime against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
#5. C.J. Spiller Back to Explosive Self
If you drafted C.J. Spiller last season, you have my sympathies. Spiller was a fantasy disappointment last season; missing the first few games with a knee injury, before returning to the field with a noticeable lack of explosiveness.
Fantasy owners thought he might get more of an opportunity when Ingram went down for the year, but alas, Spiller was shut down himself soon after.
I don’t blame you if you want nothing to do with Spiller but hear me out. Knees are a finicky business to say the least, and playing with an injury effects the production of “scat-backs” like Spiller more than most.
Sean Payton has already commented on how noticeably different Spiller looks running this year. The Reggie Bush / Darren Sproles role has long been a staple in this offense, and the screen game is one of the Saints most lethal weapons.
Spiller has the potential not just to succeed in this offense, but to thrive.
Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) attempts to defend during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
If you play in a PPR (points per reception) league, Spiller absolutely deserves RB2 / Flex consideration.
Spiller is going to get plenty of opportunities and with his ability to cut is a menacing mismatch for linebackers.
I put him ahead of both Thomas and Coleman because his number is going to be called more consistently, and there is no one else on the Saints roster who can do what he can when he’s at 100%.
Next: Meet in the Middle