Saints Fantasy Football Picks For Week 1

New Orleans Saints fantasy football picks in the season opener for Week 1.

In a new NFL season, renewed fantasy football hopes abound as the New Orleans Saints host the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 of the regular season. You still have time to tweak your Saints fantasy football lineup before the noon kickoff at Caesars Superdome. Today, we project two Saints players and a unit that will have an immediate fantasy impact in the season opener.

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates his third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams with Rashid Shaheed at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

WR Chris Olave

Last season's first-round pick out of Ohio State proved an exceptional talent in his rookie year, recording 72 receptions on 119 targets, 1,042 receiving yards, and 14.5 yards per catch. He finished with 126.2 overall fantasy points, averaging 8.4 points per game. Olave gained 2.4 yards per route run, putting him above all NFL rookie receivers. In his second year, pairing him with fellow OSU alum and All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas will open the field more for Olave to become one of Derek Carr's favorite targets. Thus increasing his fantasy football appeal. Lock in Chris Olave in Week 1.

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

QB Derek Carr

Last season with the Raiders, Derek Carr excelled in throwing the deep pass, ranking eighth in the league. His favorite weapons were star wide receivers Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Mack Hollins. With Michael Thomas and Chris Olave working alongside other elite receivers, you will see similar success from Carr in your fantasy numbers. 

Carr passed for 3,522 yards with a 60.8% completion rating in 2022-23. Also, he raked up 219.08 fantasy points and is projected to have 233.42 points this season. New Orleans Saints fans should take advantage of the 15.6 points projected against the Titans. Derek Carr has substantial fantasy value going against a questionable Tennessee secondary. 

Nov 28, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) shows emotion after a play against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints Defense

The Tennessee Titans pose a threat to the New Orleans defense with the addition of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the offseason. And Derrick Henry scares any opposing defense's lineup with his powerful running ability and speed. However, defensive coordinator Joe Woods said the key will be to make Henry an east-west rusher instead when he is dangerous running north-to-south. 

The Saints' revamped defensive interior comprised of free-agent acquisitions Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, first-round draft pick Bryan Breese, and fourth-year veteran Malcolm Roach. Besides stopping Henry, they must find a way to collapse the pocket on Titans QB Ryan Tannehill. The secondary matchup to watch is Marshon Lattimore versus Hopkins. However, linebacker Demario Davis and Pete Warner could be the difference makers supporting the run and intermediate passes by Tannehill. 

We project Cam Jordan to increase his sack stacks in Week 1 for New Orleans. New Orleans is currently at No. 11 in defensive fantasy power rankings, expected to average 10.5 points per game. Pick up the Saints' defense to limit the Titans offense.

*Saints fantasy football contributor - Matthew Taddei, Saints News Network Intern