New Orleans lost 27-13 to Los Angeles in Week 1 of the preseason, but the result isn’t the point for fantasy players. The Saints flashed depth on defense and showed upside at quarterback, while the offensive line and pass-catching corps struggled mightily. Injuries ramp up the stakes for depth spots and roster decisions, making Week 2 critical for interpreting who may emerge as Week 1-ready contributors.

Tyler Shough looked like a playmaker with upside, delivering a clean arc and strong arm to go 15-of-22 for 165 yards with a TD, plus a solid late two-minute drive (42 yards on 5 of 8). Spencer Rattler’s night was rough—pressure and reads overwhelmed him, finishing 7-of-11 for 53 yards with a sack-fumble—yet the QB competition stays intriguing as the line and weapons remain unsettled. defensively, Saints depth showed promise with Shepherd, Boyd, Stalbird, Ford, Diggs, and Rumph II all making plays, while Isaiah Foskey didn’t flash as a pass rusher and could be on the roster-cut line.

Offensively, the line was responsible for most of the misery; Radunz struggled at RT, and Ruiz/Clapp/Simpkins didn’t fully steady things, leaving the backfield with just 30 rushing yards (2.2 ypc). Penning exited with an injury, and Clapp/Means also left with concerning issues, hinting the Saints will add WR/OL depth in the near term. Still, Moore’s varied play-calling offered a spark of potential if the line can hold and the receiver group can gain consistency.

In short, Week 1 offered red flags and reasons for cautious optimism. Shough’s ceiling and the defensive depth give fantasy managers something to monitor, while the OL and WRs require improvements before trusting Saints offense as a Week 1 roster upgrade. Week 2 will reveal whether the early flashes translate to real depth or remain tantalizing but incomplete.