Tyler Shough, quarterback for the Saints, has the second-highest Week 4 projection at quarterback, sitting pretty at QB2 with a hefty 22.7 Fantasy points. That’s a huge number, and if you haven’t been paying attention to what this dude is doing, you’re missing out on one of the most surprising early-season stories in the NFL. We’re talking about a guy being ranked right there with the biggest names in the league, and it’s all thanks to an absolutely wild setup.
The Volume King Is Here
The Saints’ offense is a machine, plain and simple. They’ve ripped off 222 plays through just three games, averaging a staggering 74 plays per game. No other team in the entire league is even cracking 70 plays per game, showing just how relentless they are. Even if you pull out that Week 1 overtime game, they’re still clocking 68 plays per game. This isn’t a fluke, either; offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system has consistently averaged 64.5 plays per game over the last three seasons. This kind of volume is the lifeblood for any quarterback, and Shough is soaking it all up.
But it’s not just the sheer number of plays; it’s how they’re running them. Shough leads all starting quarterbacks with an incredible 76.7% true drop-back percentage. Think about that: he’s dropping back to pass more often than anyone else in the game, a feat he also pulled off last year. This aggressive, pass-first approach isn’t just gold for Shough’s numbers; it’s a massive boost for targets like Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and Juwan Johnson, who are getting an insane amount of opportunities.
Running, Scoring, and the Perfect Storm
Shough isn’t just a pocket passer, though. He’s adding a vital dimension with his legs, averaging 4.7 rush attempts per game. Over his 12 career starts, those scrambles have added 4.1 Fantasy points per game on the ground. When you have a quarterback leading the NFL in pass attempts *and* running this much, you’ve got a recipe for elite production.
This Week 4 looks like a perfect storm for Shough. The Saints have an implied total of 25.5 points, which is the fifth-highest of the week. That alone screams “high-scoring affair.” Add to that the fact that their starting running back, Travis Etienne, is out with a hamstring injury. What does that mean? Even *less* of a running game, forcing Shough to air it out even more. It’s a clear springboard for a must-start QB performance, making his QB2 projection feel incredibly solid.
Look, when you’ve got a quarterback projected at 22.7 Fantasy points, right up there in the top tier, you can’t ignore it. There are ten quarterbacks projected to hit at least 21 Fantasy points this week, and Shough is firmly planted in that class. If you’ve got one of those other guys like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or Patrick Mahomes, sure, stick with your gut. But for everyone else, Tyler Shough is making a legitimate case to be considered a top-tier option. The numbers don’t lie, and he’s ready to prove he belongs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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