Is Derek Carr playing Sunday? Latest on Saints QB for Fantasy Football Week 13

NFL fantasy managers have their eyes on Derek Carr as the New Orleans Saints prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. The good news? Carr is confirmed to play with no injury report which will hamper his weekend performance.

Carr enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum. The QB showcased remarkable efficiency in the two games preceding the Saints's bye week. His stat line speaks volumes: 52 pass attempts, 37 completions, 517 passing yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Derek Carr ranks sixth among quarterbacks for throws covering 20 or more air yards. This skill perfectly matches up against a Rams defense that has allowed the fourth-highest completion rate on deep throws.

Derek Carr in action for New Orleans Saints against Cleveland Browns (Credits: IMAGN)

His current season tells a story of career-best performances. Derek Carr is tracking at peak levels in passer rating, yards per pass, and touchdown rate. The recent splash plays from receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling have amplified his offensive impact.

With injuries in the receiver room, Derek Carr has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. His connection with key receivers continues to create opportunities despite potential challenges.

Why Derek Carr might not be a Fantasy Football slam dunk

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (Credits: Getty)

Fantasy projections paint a more nuanced picture of Derek Carr's potential. Current estimates place him at 11.1 fantasy points for Week 13. This breaks down to 170.6 passing yards, 1.1 touchdowns, and 0.5 interceptions.

The Saints's broader defensive context could complicate Carr's outlook against the Rams. Their defense allows a staggering 390.8 yards per game and 23.6 points per contest, second-worst in the NFL. This defensive vulnerability could impact the team's overall offensive momentum.

Furthermore, a few defensive absences will reshape the battlefield. New Orleans will miss cornerback Paulson Adebo, who is on injured reserve. In turn, they will turn to veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu, who has three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 43 total tackles this season.

The turnover battle adds another layer of intrigue. The Saints and Rams have forced 15 turnovers this season, creating a potential wild card in-game dynamics.

For fantasy managers in two-quarterback leagues, Carr remains a viable option. However, those in standard one-QB formats might want to explore alternatives. But his performance against the Rams's aggressive pass rush could earn him a spot in fantasy teams.

Linebacker Demario Davis (79 tackles) will be crucial in managing New Orleans's defensive strategies. With the Saints' limited pass rush — just 25 total sacks this season — Derek Carr's success might depend on quick, strategic plays.