Nick Mullens with limited weapons is mostly just a Superflex option, although his 8.6 YPA mark suggests he can be plenty useful in fantasy leagues down the stretch in the right matchups. Jerick McKinnon should again act as San Francisco's lead back with Raheem Mostert sidelined, making him a top-20 fantasy RB given the running back situation throughout the league right now. The Saints have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, but McKinnon should be plenty active as a receiver and has quietly scored six touchdowns this season.
Brandon Aiyuk figures to be the center of the 49ers game plan (Kyle Shanahan half-jokingly said he had 85 percent of his plays drawn up for him last game before the rookie suddenly was forced to sit out) with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out. So I have him ranked as a top-12 fantasy wide receiver this week. The rookie has impressed and should be targeted heavily (Marshon Lattimore has been beatable this season), and Shanahan will likely get him involved in other creative ways as well.
Jordan Reed should be closer to full strength now and is a fantasy sleeper at a thin tight end position, as he could easily emerge as the team's No. 2 option in the passing attack. Richie James is another sleeper, as he's getting overlooked in fantasy leagues for a receiver coming off a game in which he had 13 targets and nine receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown. James obviously won't match that production, but he could easily flirt with double-digit targets again Sunday.
Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas and Jared Cook are all must-starts at home against a 49ers defense that's been devastated by injuries. Thomas is a DFS target, as he should have a big game now closer to 100 percent. Thomas had 87 catches for 1,027 yards and six touchdowns over eight home games last year, so it could be another long day for a depleted 49ers defense in a tough matchup in New Orleans.
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Dalton Del Don has been with Yahoo Sports since 2013, covering fantasy football, baseball and basketball. He appears on multiple podcasts each week and currently resides in the Bay Area, where he is an avid fan of the Golden State Warriors and 49ers.
For Del Don's Week 10 betting preview and other fantasy insight from around the league, visit here.
