Deeper Pickup of the Week

Looking for a player that's likely to make an impact? Are you in a keeper or dynasty league?

I have a pickup for you. Try Pierre Thomas of the Saints. Aaron Stecker is not the answer for your waiver wire needs. If you remember last year, the main thing that made the offense work for the Saints was big Deuce.

-He picked up the dirty yards.
-He led the team in rushing for 12 of their 16 games.
-He was the part of the offense that kept the finesse part (Bush and Colston) clicking.

The Saints are going to miss him, that's for sure. A number of fantasy experts and football columnists called for the team to get back to pounding the ball with Deuce prior to his injury in week 4 - so what's changed now?

Do we really expect Reggie Bush to carry the entire offense? I don't. He's not ready to be an every down back yet - and that's what makes the next part interesting.

Remember 2005 - when Deuce hurt his other knee? Stecker came in and filled in nicely - but he has the same skill set as Bush - and they're paying him a whole more money to play.

Saints 2005 rushing stats -

Aaron Stecker 95 attempts 363 yards 0 TDs 35 catches 281 yards 0 TDs
Antowain Smith 166 attempts 659 yards 3 TDs 12 catches 46 yards 0 TDs


Long term - Deuce might not be able to come back from another ACL injury, and he's 29 in December. Might be worth a gamble to pick up Pierre Thomas, who beat out the Saints 4th round pick in training camp to make the team. He's not a bruiser, but he fits the "tough yards" guy mold better than Stecker does.

And I don't think the Saints will be this bad on offense all year - it can only get better.