New Orleans’ backfield situation remains one of fantasy football’s most unpredictable puzzles heading into Week 17. Audric Estimé and Taysom Hill both played significant roles last week in vastly different ways. Does either Saints option deserve fantasy football consideration against the Tennessee Titans?
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Audric Estimé’s Fantasy Outlook
Estimé landed with New Orleans after washing out in Denver, where he lasted just one season following his fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had only six carries since joining the Saints, offering virtually no proven rushing résumé to evaluate.
There was much debate last week over whether Estimé or Evan Hull would lead the Saints backfield. Technically, the answer was Estimé. He played 57% of the snaps, by far the most among Saints runners. However, he only handled five carries and saw four targets in a game the Saints controlled throughout.
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The Saints easily could have pounded the rock with Estimé based on the game script, but didn’t. New Orleans held the lead for the entire contest against the Jets, creating ideal conditions for a grinding rushing attack. The coaching staff chose not to feed Estimé despite the favorable circumstances.
The limited usage raises serious questions about the team’s confidence in Estimé as a feature back. His opportunities remain inconsistent even when game situations would typically lead to increased workload. The Saints appear hesitant to commit to him as their primary ball carrier despite his snap share advantage.
Taysom Hill’s Fantasy Outlook
The reason Estimé wasn’t more productive was because it was a Hill day. Despite playing just 43% of the snaps, Hill saw his heaviest usage of the season. The swiss army knife handled 12 carries, saw six targets, and even threw a pass. It was incredible usage for a player who typically operates in a niche role.
Here’s the problem. The Saints are playing out a lost season at 5-10. They are in evaluation mode, focusing on assessing younger players for next season. They don’t really need to evaluate the 35-year-old Hill.
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The prevailing belief is Hill won’t be back with the team next year and this was the team’s way of paying tribute to all his contributions by featuring him in what may very well be his final home game in New Orleans. Of course, that could be totally off base and Hill could see the same level of usage in Week 17. The uncertainty is what makes Hill so risky.
Fantasy managers need to be reminded of two things. First, Hill had not scored more than 3.0 fantasy points all season outside of his 6.1 points in Week 6. Second, Hill threw a 38-yard touchdown to Chris Olave late in the fourth quarter. If that pass didn’t connect, he finishes with single-digit fantasy points despite the heavy workload.
Should You Start Estimé or Hill This Week?
Tennessee presents a favorable matchup for New Orleans’ backfield options. Even though the Titans have been much more of a pass funnel recently, they still allow the 12th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs. The defense has struggled containing rushing attacks throughout the season.
The Titans are not about to force the Saints into a game script where New Orleans has to abandon the run. Tennessee sits at 3-12 and has lost its competitive edge in most contests. The Saints are 2.5-point favorites with the total sitting at just 39.5 points.
New Orleans has won three consecutive games. Tyler Shough has provided stability at quarterback, leading the offense to improved performances despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. The Saints should control this game and have opportunities to establish their ground game.
If you need upside, embrace the volatility that is Hill. His unique skill set provides the potential for explosive plays through rushing, receiving, and even passing. Just understand the floor is literally zero. Hill could return to his minimal-usage role from earlier in the season, making him completely unusable for fantasy purposes.
As for Estimé, just don’t do it. Based on last week’s usage, he is impossible to confidently deploy in fantasy lineups. The coaching staff’s unwillingness to feed him carries even in favorable game script demonstrates he cannot be trusted as a fantasy option, regardless of matchup quality.