WGNO

Three things fantasy players should know about the Saints

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) –  Football season is finally here, and that means it’s also time for fantasy leagues. Fox Sports sideline reporter and anchor Jennifer Hale is here to help.

Here’s three things Hale says you should know about the Saints and fantasy football:

-Drew Brees has finished as a top six fantasy quarterback each of the last 10 seasons.  Drew’s 32 touchdowns last season also helped him dominate a particularly important fantasy category: Drew had 4 games with 18 or 19 fantasy points. That was most in the league last season.

-Mark Ingram – Yes he’s a tough, three-down back who should amass an impressive number of yards if he stays healthy. But perhaps the Heisman winner’s recent versatility is what should make him most attractive to fantasy owners – especially those in PPR leagues. Ingram is now a true dual threat out of the backfield. Last season, Drew targeted Ingram almost five times per game, and Ingram delivered, hauling in 50 out of 60 passes, for an 83 percent completion rating.

-This could be a breakout fantasy year for third-year pro Brandin Cooks. Last season, Cooks was Brees’ top target – leading the Saints in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.  Drew targeted Cooks a little more than eight times per game last season versus 6.9 targets for Cooks’ rookie year. Many expect the Brees/Cooks connection to blossom much more this season.