The New Orleans Saints faced a tumultuous 2024 season, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record and missing the playoffs. Their issues began early when quarterback Derek Carr sustained multiple injuries, leading to a seven-game losing streak that ultimately resulted in the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. The Saints managed to secure Kellen Moore as their new head coach, following his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Eagles.

With limited financial flexibility, the Saints are poised for a challenging offseason. They are approximately $60 million over the salary cap, complicating their ability to make significant moves in free agency. Maintaining key players like defensive end Chase Young and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be crucial. Additionally, they will need to reinforce their defensive line and wide receiving corps, especially after last year's injuries forced unconventional roster allocations.

Fantasy football and daily fantasy sports (DFS) players continuously seek advanced metrics to enhance their strategies. Recently, a new metric has been introduced that improves on the Weighted Opportunity Rating (WOPR) for more accurate player evaluations. In Week 17, the metric identified several under-the-radar performers, including WR Michael Pittman Jr., who posted an impressive 25.9 PPR points.

As we look ahead to Week 18, breakout candidates are identified through a method that relies on the PWOPR metric. Players like Courtland Sutton and Marvin Harrison Jr. are highlighted for favorable matchups against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. With strategic insights into player performances and matchups, this metric aims to identify those poised for a standout week.

As Week 18 approaches, fantasy football managers are faced with injury updates for several key wide receivers, which could significantly impact their lineups. The New Orleans Saints' Chris Olave has been activated from concussion protocol and is expected to return to practice, although the team's lack of playoff contention raises questions about his game time. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer is dealing with a heel injury sustained in a recent game against the New England Patriots, and while the injury may not require a stint on injured reserve, his availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain.

In Cleveland, Cedric Tillman has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, effectively ending his season after a promising second year where he recorded 29 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints' Marquez Valdes-Scantling is also struggling with a re-aggravated back injury, having missed the last game and with no incentive for the team to rush him back. Lastly, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is recovering from a knee injury and is optimistic about returning this week, as the Dolphins fight for a playoff spot.

As championship weekend approaches in the NFL, fantasy football managers are faced with a multitude of injury updates concerning key wide receivers. Davante Adams of the New York Jets is listed as questionable for his matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a hip injury, but he has returned to practice and remains optimistic about his chances of playing. Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after struggling with a shoulder injury, which opens the door for Jalen Tolbert, who is also questionable with a finger injury.

Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals is managing ankle and knee injuries and is also questionable for Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos. Xavier Legette of the Carolina Panthers is on the injury report with a hip issue but has been practicing, although his target share may limit his fantasy value. The Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are both questionable as well, with Hill dealing with a wrist injury and Waddle recovering from a knee injury.

Malik Nabers of the New York Giants is also a game-time decision, while Chris Olave and Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the New Orleans Saints are both questionable as they recover from concussions and chest injuries, respectively. Sterling Shepard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cedric Tillman of the Cleveland Browns have been ruled out, impacting their teams' passing strategies. Lastly, Christian Watson of the Green Bay Packers is questionable with a knee bruise, adding further uncertainty for fantasy managers heading into a crucial week.

In a disappointing performance, New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler struggled to lead his team, resulting in a 34-0 shutout loss to the Green Bay Packers. This marked the Saints' first shutout of the season and their first since November 2022.

Rattler, who filled in for the injured Derek Carr, completed 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards, with one interception and a fumble. Despite showing promise in a previous game, he faced a depleted roster and a strong Packers defense.