New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has been dealing with back injuries since the Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons, and his Week 4 status against the Minnesota Vikings in London is in question.
Winston has often been a boom-0r-bust fantasy quarterback thanks to his risk-taking, gun-slinging playstyle, so his absence would eliminate a decent streaming candidate in a neutral matchup for quarterbacks.
If he's out, is Andy Dalton worth starting? Get Winston's latest injury news and Dalton's potential fantasy outlook below.
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Is Jameis Winston Playing In Week 4 against the Vikings?
Winston is not expected to make the start against the Vikings in Week 4. Instead, Andy Dalton is in line to be the QB1 for New Orleans.
Saints also believe it’s doubtful that Jameis Winston, who didn’t practice today for a third straight day, will play Sunday, which makes it likely that QB Andy Dalton will start vs. the Vikings. https://t.co/LWwHdUmVMM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2022
Winston hasn't officially been ruled out, but it'd be surprising if he sheds the "doubtful" tag and plays Sunday at 9:30 a.m. EST. Since Winston isn't a must-start quarterback in single-QB leagues, this news doesn't affect start-or-sit decisions too much. However, for Winston fantasy managers in two-QB/Superflex leagues, you'll have to start your bench guy or look to pickup Andy Dalton or Brian Hoyer for Week 4.
Should I Start Andy Dalton in Week 4 Against the Vikings?
While Dalton will slide in as a start in two-QB/Superflex leagues, he shouldn't be given much consideration in traditional leagues. Michael Thomas (t0e) is out, so the weaponry will be downgraded. Rookie breakout Chris Olave will be there, but it's tough to be excited about a quarterback with just one above-average weaponry.
Dalton has zero rushing upside, so his floor is ultra-low. Additionally, we could see a ton of Taysom Hill wildcat packages if the game is close, so Dalton's passing volume could be low too. Ultimately, we're banking on a ton of passing attempts, yards, and touchdowns for him to produce a fantasy-relevant week. Unless Winston's injury proves to be serious, Dalton should not be on the fantasy radar.
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