Week 12: Brees vs. Ravens
Drew Brees was 33-of-41 for 255 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in the Saints’ Week 11 loss to the Bengals. Considering he was playing at home where he normally thrives, it was a disappointing afternoon for Brees owners. Cincinnati did a nice job taking away the Saints’ vertical attack and forced Brees to dink and dunk throughout the game. He should get back on track on Monday night versus the Ravens when the matchup gets a little easier. Brees is our No. 4 overall QB for Week 12.
Week 11: Ingram vs. Bengals
Mark Ingram rushed 27 times for 120 yards and also caught three passes for an additional 19 yards on five targets in the Saints’ Week 10 loss to the 49ers. He was highly effective running off-tackle and despite being limited in practice last week due to a shoulder injury, he still racked up 30 touches in the game. He’s been limited again this week in practice but faces a Bengals defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Ingram ranks as our No. 4 overall RB and needs to be in your starting lineup.
Week 10: Ingram vs. 49ers
Mark Ingram had his second 100-yard effort in as many games when he rushed 30 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints’ Week 9 win over the Panthers. He also caught one pass for 10 yards on two targets and continues to be the lead back with Pierre Thomas out with injury. The 49ers have the No. 2 fantasy defense against the run this year but after the last two weeks, Ingram has earned RB2 status. He was limited this week in practice due to a shoulder injury, but he's expected to suit up on Sunday. He ranks as our No. 12 overall RB for Week 10.
Week 9: Ingram vs. Panthers
Mark Ingram had a breakout performance in Week 8, rushing 24 times for 172 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' Week 8 victory over the Packers. He also caught a pass for three yards in what was his biggest workload of the season. With Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson banged up, Ingram is a solid RB1 against the Panthers on Thursday night so get him in your lineup. He ranks as our No. 7 overall RB for Week 9.
Week 8: Ingram vs. Packers
Mark Ingram rushed 10 times for 16 yards and added 13 yards on two catches in the Saints’ Week 7 loss to the Lions. Outside of a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter, Detroit did an outstanding job containing an ineffective Ingram throughout the game.The good news for fantasy owners is that he returned to his early-down role in Sean Payton’s offense after he missed several weeks with a hand injury. He ranks as our 21st overall RB for Week 8 and should see a heavy workload with Pierre Thomas out with an injury.
Week 7: Ingram vs. Lions
Mark Ingram is set to return from the hand injury that has sidelined him since a Week 2 loss to Cleveland. We expect to see Ingram return to his normal early-down work and carry the ball anywhere between 12 -15 times this Sunday. With Jimmy Graham expected to be out with a shoulder injury, Sean Payton may go with a more run-heavy approach and featured Ingram between the tackles. That said, the Lions present a difficult matchup for the Saints this week so be cautious with Ingram. He’s our No. 30 overall RB for Week 7 so consider him a RB3.
Week 2: Ingram vs. Browns
Mark Ingram rushed for 60 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns and also added one reception for one yard in the Saints' 37-34 loss to the Falcons. The takeaway was that Ingram was the clear No. 1 back on early downs for the Saints and his 14 touches were the most among the Saints' running backs. After putting together an impressive preseason, Ingram has emerged as a low-end RB2 in standard formats and a RB3 in PPR leagues. He's running like he's back at Alabama and Sean Payton clearly is getting him more involved in the offense. He ranks as our No. 23 overall RB for standard and our No. 30 overall RB in PPR formats for Week 2.
Week 1: Ingram vs. Falcons
Mark Ingram looked like he was running back at Alabama this preseason, flashing more quickness and burst than at any point over the past three seasons in New Orleans. That said, if the preseason was any indication of how Sean Payton will utilize his backs this season, then Ingram will continue to share time with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson. For now, Ingram figures to be the Saints' goal line back but his fantasy production will largely be tied to his ability to reach pay dirt. He's currently listed as our No. 28 overall RB for Week 1, ahead of Thomas in standard leagues. View him as a RB3 against the Falcons.
Fantasy Upside
Mark Ingram has turned heads this preseason, rushing 21 times for 148 yards and a touchdown through three games. He looks like he's back at Alabama, flashing more quickness, burst and acceleration than at any point in his four-year career. He's also been solid in pass protection, which is obviously important considering he's protecting Drew Brees. While he remains stuck in a timeshare with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson, Ingram could force Sean Payton's hand at some point and wind up being the lead back in the Saints' committee approach.
Fantasy Downside
Despite how good Ingram has looked, he remains stuck in a three-back timeshare with Thomas and Robinson. He also doesn't offer as much value in PPR leagues as Thomas, who will continue to see the majority of opportunities in the passing game. Due to his usage, Ingram will likely max out as a RB3 this season.
Bottom Line
Instead of the plodding runner that has been on display in the first three seasons of his career, Ingram finally looks like the back the Saints selected in the first round in 2011. The problem is that unless Thomas gets hurt, Ingram's fantasy production will be somewhat limited. There's simply too much good depth for Payton, who will continue to use all three backs during the regular season. While there's value in Ingram as a RB3, set your expectations accordingly.
