Andy Dalton probably isn’t on many rosters in redraft leagues. However, with this week’s list of bye teams taking out some heavy hitters, some fantasy managers may have grabbed him off waivers for the Saints’ Thursday Night Football matchup against the Cardinals. On Monday, the 34-year-old popped up on the injury report with a minor back injury. The short week doesn’t leave us much time to decide what his status will be for that game, so where do things stand now? Here’s what we know.
Check out our NFL News Desk for the latest injury news 
Andy Dalton (back) limited Monday
Andy Dalton (back) was estimated as a limited participant for the Saints on Monday.
Fantasy Impact
Dalton is dealing with a minor back injury that would have left him limited in practice if they had it Monday. He is in the midst of a battle for the QB1 spot in New Orleans with Jameis Winston, so any setback could have tide-turning implications for the QB competition. However, the injury is expected to be minor, and he should be well enough to play on Thursday, whether that be as the starter or backup.
What the Experts are Saying
TBD on whether we see another game from Andy Dalton or if Jameis Winston reassumes the starting gig. Dennis Allen has stated they’re taking the starting decision up to kickoff. Fun times. Dalton has played better than his fantasy finishes have indicated (QB23, QB26, QB22). He’s third in PFF passing grade, 17th in adjusted completion rate, and 16th in big-time throw rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Winston has fared better as a fantasy option with QB7, QB26, and QB14 outings, but he has been worse from a real football perspective. Winston ranks 19th in PFF passing grade and 29th in adjusted completion rate, but he’s flashed the trademark big strikes ranking third in big-time throw rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Whichever player is under center returns to a surprisingly tough matchup against Arizona. Since Week 4, this pass defense has tightened up. They are eighth in pass defense DVOA while also ranking inside the top 12 in passing yards per game (tenth-fewest), EPA (eighth-lowest), and explosive pass rate (11th-lowest). Dalton and Winston are only mid to low-end QB2s.
-Derek Brown
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
