NFL: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
Sep 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (14) makesa catch against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The New Orleans Saints‘ offense offers fantasy football owners several starting options this season, including quarterback Tyler Shough, wideout Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson.
Through three games, Shough has been everything we hoped he would be. The second-year signal-caller has completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns to just three picks.
Vele and Johnson have thrived as a result of Shough’s success. Vele has 15 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown, and Johnson has 15 grabs for 173 yards and three scores.
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Knowing all that, here’s what we’re doing with Vele, Shough and Johnson for their Monday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN app).
Devaughn Vele start or sit advice
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Sep 27, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (14) enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
With all the success other Saints pass-catchers have had this season, Vele is flying under the radar.
Going into Week 3, Vele ranked as WR22 overall, according to Fantasy Pros, which puts him in the flex conversation moving forward. That means it’s all about the matchup.
And this is a good one for the Saints wideout, with Atlanta ceding the seventh-most fantasy points per contest to the position, per CBS Sports.
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What makes this matchup even better is the fact that the Falcons won’t have their No. 1 cornerback, A.J. Terrell Jr., who is on injured reserve.
We like Vele to return a solid performance on Monday night.
Verdict: Start
Tyler Shough start or sit advice
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Sep 27, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws in the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Shough entered the season with a lot of hype after a strong finish to 2025, and he has not disappointed thus far.
Going into Week 4, Shough ranked as QB3 overall, according to Fantasy Pros, and that makes him an elite option at the position.
And there is nothing scary about this matchup with a Falcons defense giving up the 10th-most fantasy points per game to signal-callers, according to CBS Sports.
MORE: Jordyn Tyson injury update: Saints rookie unlikely to play before bye
Start Shough with total confidence this week.
Verdict: Start
Juwan Johnson start or sit advice
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Like Shough, Johnson has been an elite fantasy producer at his position.
Coming into this week, Johnson ranked as TE3 overall.
This is also a positive matchup for him. The Falcons are tied for the sixth-most fantasy points allowed to tight ends this season.
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Even if this were a tough matchup, you’re inserting Johnson into your lineup anyway now that he has become a must-start player thanks to his consistent play.
Verdict: Start