What to do with Tre’Quan Smith, other Saints WRs in Week 7 fantasy football

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reported that Michael Thomas may be in danger of missing Week 8 as well with a hamstring injury. Tre’Quan Smith is the guy to roster and is available in 79% of ESPN leagues.

Friday game update: Saints WR Emmanuel Sanders was placed on the reserve-COVID list after testing positive on Friday. Though he is now in quarantine and away from the team, he did practice with the Saints on Thursday. The NFL will be monitoring this situation closely in case there is a need to postpone this matchup.

A wrench thrown in the Saints matchup plans. No Sanders and no Michael Thomas make this a tough game for them against a good defense in the 49er’s. How will they fare in fantasy? It’s time to dive down the Saints wide receiver depth chart.

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harris

Tre’Quan Smith is now the number one option for Drew Brees from the receiver room. Despite a low target week last time out with only three targets and two catches, n increase in role is all but inevitable with so many wide out injuries. You could probably expect a 6-8 or more targets in this one as he and Alvin Kamara get the majority of looks.

Callaway is an intriguing play. He had six targets last week and caught four of them. With a slight increase you could be looking at a red zone threat with Jared Cook joining him in targets down there. With nice size at 6’2, he could become a Brees break out player.

Harris is a bit of an unknown. With less than 100 yards for the season, he could see an increase in usage with Fowler, Sanders and Thomas out. A speedy receiver, he could see some time and targets in the slot, where he could do something. He will be the designated returner both for the kick offs and punts, which could increase his value a tad.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

I like Callaway here, start him. Start Smith as well, he could be due. Bench Harris, returns are down heavily and are unlikely.