The Saints may end up being very thin at receiver this Thursday vs. the Broncos, considering both Chris Olave ($10,600; concussion) and Rashid Shaheed ($10,200; knee) were absent from practice again Tuesday. Derek Carr ($9,600; oblique) also missed the practice session and is likely to miss his second straight game, putting Spencer Rattler ($9,200) in line for his second consecutive start at quarterback for New Orleans.
If Olave and Shaheed are both inactive Thursday, Bub Means ($4,000) will likely operate as the Saints’ top wideout. Shaheed was available for 81% of the snaps this past Sunday vs. the Buccaneers, but Olave only logged two snaps before getting hurt and with the receiver missing most of the contest, Means logged 71% of the snaps and displayed solid chemistry with Rattler, catching five of his eight targets for 45 yards and a touchdown (15.5 FPTS). The rookie out of Pittsburgh ran a route on 71% of his team’s dropbacks and this number will likely grow to a full rate if both Olave and Shaheed are unavailable Thursday.
The 6’2” Means is an intriguing prospect and the full-time role would make him a solid punt for Thursday’s Showdown slate at his low $4,000 price tag, but Means would not be a must-start for season-long leagues, as his matchup vs. the Broncos is very poor. Denver has arguably the best group of cornerbacks in the NFL and its defense is allowing the second-fewest yards per pass this season (5.3). This game presents a low O/U of 37 points on DraftKings Sportsbook and Rattler’s struggles also don’t help Means. In his first career start last Sunday vs. the Buccaneers, Rattler only completed 55% of his passes and he threw for two picks. Means’ upside will be limited even if he finds himself with an expanded role and there are better receiver options to peruse on the waiver wire this week if you need help at the position, one being DeMario Douglas ($8,000 for Showdown) of the Patriots. With Drake Maye ($1,0400) getting his first career start last Sunday, Douglas saw a target on a team-best 32% of his routes and he caught six of these passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. For his next matchup, Douglas faces the Jaguars on Sunday, who are giving up the fourth-most yards per pass this season (7.7).
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