#164 overall · NO · 100.9 projected half-PPR pts · -28.1 Draft Value
New Orleans Saints — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
The case for drafting him
The Saints have posted 39 or more sacks in each of the past two seasons and averaged 39 sacks per season across the last three years. Their pass-rush production is consistent and real. They have also averaged 14 interceptions and 10.3 forced fumbles per season over that same three-year window, giving them a reliable floor of turnover opportunities. If you need a late-round DST to round out a roster, the sack volume alone keeps them in the conversation.
What the model projects
The projection is 100.9 half-PPR fantasy points for the 2026 season. The Saints carry a draft value of -28.1, meaning they project below replacement level at the DST position. They rank DST22 and sit at #164 overall, placing them in Tier 9 on the board. Their three-year average of 369.3 points allowed per season reflects a defense that has given up significant yardage and scoring, which weighs on the overall point estimate.
| INT | Sacks | FF | FR | TD | Saf | PA | Half-PPR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 34 | 8 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 327 | 114.0 |
| 2024 | 14 | 39 | 12 | 3 | 1 | — | 398 | 91.0 |
| 2025 | 10 | 44 | 11 | 10 | 1 | — | 383 | 101.0 |
| 3-yr avg | 14 | 39 | 10.3 | 8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 369.3 | 101.7 |
The range of outcomes
The Saints' recent history shows meaningful year-to-year swings. Interceptions dropped from 18 in 2023 to 14 in 2024 to 10 in 2025, while fumble recoveries went from 11 to 3 and back to 10. Touchdowns scored by the defense have held at just one in each of the last two seasons. Points allowed climbed from 327 in 2023 to 398 in 2024 before settling at 383 in 2025. That volatility in the turnover categories — the biggest swing factors for DST scoring — means outcomes in either direction are plausible. A bounce-back in interceptions and fumble recoveries could push the unit meaningfully above the projection; another down year in those categories would confirm the floor.
How to draft him
The Saints are not being drafted consistently enough across platforms to carry a market ADP. That means there is no pick cost to plan around — they are effectively a free agent on draft day. At DST22 and #164 overall with a negative draft value, they are best treated as a streaming option or a final-round handcuff rather than a target you build around. Their bye is Week 8, so factor that into any streaming plan. Draft your DST1 first; the Saints can wait.
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Questions drafters ask
The projection is 100.9 points with a draft value of -28.1, placing them at DST22 and #164 overall in Tier 9. They project below replacement level, so they are not a recommended target — at best a streaming option in the final rounds.
Very consistent by volume: 34 sacks in 2023, 39 in 2024, and 44 in 2025, for a three-year average of 39 per season. The sack production has been the most reliable part of their fantasy profile.
Turnover production has been volatile. Interceptions fell from 18 in 2023 to 10 in 2025, and fumble recoveries swung from 11 to 3 and back to 10 over the same span. Those categories drive DST scoring variance, and the Saints have shown they can go cold quickly.
Week 8. If you roster them, you will need a streaming replacement for that week.