What to do with Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smith in Week 16 of the fantasy football playoffs

The New Orleans Saints have a Christmas Day showdown with the Minnesota Vikings on tap this week. And while they got quarterback Drew Brees back in action last week, this week they could be thin at wide receiver. It’s a situation that could affect your fantasy football championship this week, so here’s how to approach it.

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

Michael Thomas is out for the rest of the regular season. That puts Emmanuel Sanders in the spotlight as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. Last week against the Chiefs, he caught four passes on five targets for 76 yards. He tied with tight end Jared Cook for the second-most targets in that game; Alvin Kamara led the way with six. Already compromised on his downfield throws before his injury, Brees really struggled last week, completing less than 45 percent of his throws. It’s hard to say whether that was related to his injury or not, but it puts a tight cap on just what the receivers can accomplish with a passing game bottled up. Sanders, even with the factors listed above, is a decent option for a WR2 or WR3 this week.

Smith left last week’s game with an ankle injury. He did not practice on Tuesday, casting doubt on his status for this week’s game. If he can’t go, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who caught two passes on four targets for 29 yards and a touchdown last week, looks like the next man up. However, the receiver spot behind Sanders is a shaky proposition to bet on this week.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Emmanuel Sanders at WR2 or WR3. Sit Tre’Quan Smith.