FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

October 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup

Tonight’s matchup between the Saints and Jaguars may lack the same fireworks appeal as the Sunday Night showdown between the Dolphins and Eagles, but it will have plenty of fantasy relevance. With stars like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Calvin Ridley headlining tonight’s showcase, there should be enough action to keep fantasy managers interested. 

Ones to Watch

The Jaguars starting running rack Travis Etienne Jr (fantasy RB3 the past three weeks) has been rolling of late, averaging 113 yards of offense and better than a touchdown over his last three games. The Saints rookie receiver Rashid Shaheed scored his second touchdown of the season this past Sunday and has been targeted 15 times in his last three games.

For the DFS play tonight, I have some favorites.

Alvin Kamara (Saint-RB) Kamara has been heavily targeted (25 targets) since week 4, when he returned from his three-game suspension. The Saints ball-carrier has yet to break out, but the heavy volume (25 touches per game this season) and fantasy production is there. It’s just a matter of time before Kamara has a blow up game. He’s my favorite in this one tonight.

Derek Carr (Saints-QB) The Jaguars have a pretty good defense, so it could be tough sledding for Carr and company tonight. The Saints signal caller is now a few weeks removed from his shoulder injury and each week he’s seeming to play a little better. Last week Carr passed for 353 yards passing 50 times. He may not quite get to 50 in this one, but he could have some great success with Kamara out of the backfield and his favorite target in the mid-range, Chris Olave.

Chris Olave (Saints-WR) The Saints top receiving option is coming off a 10-target, 7 reception showing in Week 6. After a fast start this season (32 targets in three games), Olave seemed to have cooled down when his quarterback went down. With Carr now appearing healthy again, fantasy managers can expect to see more of the early season Olave going forward. He’s in for a busy night.

Christian Kirk (Jaguars-WR) After a quiet opening Sunday recording just one catch for 9 yards receiving, Kirk has been the model of consistency for the Jaguars. In his last 5 games he’s had at least 6 targets and recorded at least 6 receptions or scored a touchdown. He’s averaging over 16 fantasy points per game during this stretch and is the fantasy WR15. He’s a safe play in this matchup tonight.

Evan Engram (Jaguars-TE) Just like Kirk, the Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been Mr. Consistent. This season he’s scored in double digit fantasy points in 4 of 6 games, only once has he scored less than 9.9 fantasy points, and he’s been targeted at least 7 times in 5 of his 6 games. Engram is the fantasy TE6 this season and while on paper the matchup against the Saints defense (ranked 7th vs tight ends) looks tough, in week 6 the Texans were able to enjoy success going to the tight end position. I’d expect the usual numbers from Engram in this one.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega