Fantasy football Week 14: Start or sit Drew Brees for TNF?

Brees prepares for a shootout with division-rival Atlanta. We break down the fantasy implications.

Quarterback Drew Brees has not been the center of the New Orleans Saints’ offense this season due to an improved running game. That will likely change Thursday night when the Saints head to Atlanta to face their division rivals, the Falcons. Known for high-scoring affairs, Brees has thrown over 300 yards in each of the last six meetings with the Falcons, and he threw four combined touchdowns in two games against Atlanta last season. The Falcons’ passing defense has been strong this season. They have only allowed one QB to throw for over 300 yards this season and have allowed the sixth-fewest yards passing in the NFL.

Brees is having a slow season based on previous years. The 17-year veteran only has three games with over 300 yards passing so far. He has eight or more 300-yard games in every season since 2011.

Fantasy impact: The Saints may rely on the run a lot more, but Brees is still a top-tier fantasy QB. Brees has a scored in every game except one, and he has over 200 yards passing in 10 out of 12 games this season. Brees should see an uptick against the Falcons this week in what could easily turn into a shootout, but he still has loads of appeal in a low-scoring affair with the check-down option to rookie rusher Alvin Kamara a staple in the offense. Brees should stay in your lineup throughout the playoffs.

Recommendation: Start