What to do with Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Harris in Week 15 of the fantasy football playoffs

With Michael Thomas ruled out for the New Orleans Saints, it’s up to Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith and Deonte Harris to carry the load for the wide receiver group in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints WRs Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Harris

Since his Week 5 fantasy explosion of 25.20 points, Sanders hasn’t topped 13.80 points. He has hit that mark twice, scoring a touchdown in both games, but has been held to 48 yards or under receiving in five of his last six games. With Drew Brees this season, Sanders averaged 13.70 points per-game. With Taysom Hill, he’s at just 7.24. He offers a reliable ceiling, especially with Thomas out.

Before Thomas’ return in Week 9, Smith had averaged 10.78 fantasy points between Week 2 and Week 8 with Brees at quarterback. It’s worth noting that his two-score, 21.40-point game in Week 4 against Detroit boosts his average, as Smith never scored a touchdown in any other game in the span and only surpassed 10 fantasy points and 54 receiving yards in a game once.

Harris has missed the last three games with a neck injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Even if he’s cleared to go, Harris hasn’t been a go-to option in New Orleans’ offense, scoring more than 6.40 points once this season (had a season-high 46 receiving yards and a touchdown for 14.60 points in Week 7). Though the Chiefs have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this year, I can’t see Harris being effective in the offense regardless.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Emmanuel Sanders. Sit Tre’Quan Smith and Deonte Harris.