X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Dez Bryant Joins The Saints - Fantasy Impact

Wide receiver Dez Bryant signed with the New Orleans Saints in a somewhat surprising move ahead of Week 10. Ben Rolfe analyzes the fantasy football impact of this deal on Bryant, as well as Michael Thomas, Tre'Quan Smith, Ben Watson, and Alvin Kamara.

With the news Wednesday that Dez Bryant was signed by the New Orleans Saints, there are many questions which need to be answered.

First, what does this mean for Bryant himself? Is he about to become a fantasy superstar in an explosive offense, or is he just a distraction for defenses on the field while Michael Thomas continues to shine?

The other big question is, how, if at all, does this affect the other receivers in New Orleans? Does Bryant's addition mean we have to worry about players like Tre'Quan Smith being phased out? Let's dive into Bryant's profile to figure it all out.

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

Is Dez Bryant Still a Weapon?

We should start by looking at Bryant's numbers with the Cowboys. Over the course of his career, Bryant averaged 66 yards per game on 4.7 receptions per game. That works out as an average of exactly 14 yards per reception. However, probably the most impressive number is his touchdowns per game ratio. Bryant scored a touchdown every 1.55 games he played with the Cowboys over the course of his career.

However, in the last three years, Bryant has seen his numbers decline somewhat. In his peak, between 2012 and 2014 he averaged 82 yards per game, 5.69 receptions per game and a touchdown every 1.17 games. In the last three seasons, those numbers fell to 55 yards per game, 4.1 receptions per game and a touchdown every 2.17 games. Part of the issue was injury; Bryant missed a total of 11 games over the last three years having played all 48 the previous three. His catch rate also dropped from being above 58% and in the region of 65% down to roughly 50%.

The question remains: why did that catch rate drop so much? Are the injuries linked or are they something different? It became clear that Bryant could not separate as well the last three years. He also saw a change in quarterback and offensive philosophy. In his prime, the offense was more pass-friendly and he had a quarterback he knew well. The last three years he had a backup in most of 2015 and then a quarterback perhaps less suited to his style in Dak Prescott.

So what does that mean for this year? The quarterback certainly will not be an issue given he has Drew Brees throwing him the ball. His ability to separate from defenders, beat man coverage and his health may be an issue still. However, coming in in Week 10 should mean that Bryant is fresh and his health should not be a problem. The final issue is learning the playbook. Bryant has only really ever had one playbook and that has limited his route tree. Now he gets a different playbook to learn in a short space of time.

So what role is Bryant likely to have? Initially a limited one, I would expect. However, the Saints only appear to have two wide receivers they truly trust. That might open the opportunity for Bryant to get on the field. Even if he plays regularly, it is likely the routes will be limited and that might be a good thing. My expectation is the Saints will move Bryant into the slot and utilize him in the red zone, where his size is a big advantage. Last season five of Bryant's six touchdowns came in the red zone and he led the Cowboys in red-zone targets, with 34.92% of their targets. That is where Bryant's value will lie.

I do not expect him to see a huge amount of targets and therefore receptions, which will limit his PPR value. However, in standard leagues and leagues that place a heavy emphasis on touchdowns, he could have value down the stretch. It may take a few weeks but come fantasy playoffs time he could have a big impact. The Saints have a nice schedule for wide receivers in the fantasy playoffs and Bryant could be worth a speculative pickup in the formats above and in deeper leagues.

 

Other Fantasy Implications

Michael Thomas

My initial thought is that this would not affect Thomas much. However, Thomas has 16 of his 79 targets and four of his five touchdowns in the red zone. His yardage should not be affected hugely as I cannot see Bryant playing a major role between the 20s but once the Saints get inside the red zone there is every chance he could lose some of the 25% of red zone targets he has been seeing. However, this may have a benefit for Thomas in the long run. With Bryant on the field, defenses will have to account for him, and especially so if he has success. That may draw defensive focus away from Thomas at times. Even if he does see a reduction in red zone targets Thomas remains a must-start fantasy option following the trade.

Tre'Quan Smith

I am not sure the acquisition of Bryant does much to Smith's value. Smith does not feature hugely in the red zone with just four targets in there on the season. The issue is that Smith's role is very hit and miss and he only really had a role since Ted Ginn went out. Bryant is not going to fill the role of Ginn, he does not have the speed, but if he even takes a target or two away from Smith that could be an issue. The good news is I do not see that being a huge problem in the majority of the field, so Smith should still retain most of the value he had pre-trade. The trouble is I am not sure there is a huge amount of sure thing value to rely on in the first place.

Benjamin Watson

The expectation is that the Saints will use Bryant as some kind of hybrid wide receiver/tight end. If that is the case it could take away from the role of Watson. In addition, Watson has seen seven red-zone targets and they have accounted for both of his touchdowns this season. Most of Watson's value is tied to his ability to catch touchdowns and if he sees a reduction in those red-zone targets that could see him drop out of the top-15 tight ends.

Alvin Kamara

No, Bryant is not going to be the next Cordarelle Patterson and start playing running back. However, he could have an impact on Kamara's fantasy value. Kamara has been used a lot in the red zone this season, seeing 35.92% of the Saints targets there. In total Kamara has 22 red-zone targets and five touchdowns from those targets. Kamara's role catching out of the backfield is not your traditional red zone element and therefore I do not think it will hugely reduce his targets there. However, one more mouth to feed may just mean one less red zone target every couple of games and maybe that results in one less touchdown over the course of the rest of the season. Probably nothing significant and it does not change how you use him at all but this is just a warning for you all if his red zone numbers do dip.

More Risers and Fallers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF