Among NFL fan and fantasy football circles, Taysom Hill is a divisive name.
It’s because the New Orleans Saints forked over a lot of money to retain his services, and then he’s used by Sean Payton for a bunch of running plays (and the occasional tight end situation) that mostly don’t do much.
In the fantasy world, he siphons away work from other key players on the Saints, and it can be maddening for Alvin Kamara or Michael Thomas owners to see Hill get the ball at the goal line.
But there’s a wrinkle to his situation now. The man who should be given QB/RB/WR/TE eligibility might be given A LOT more attention this week. And in ESPN leagues, Hill has both QB and TE eligibility:
FYI. In light of the Brees news on @ESPNFantasy Taysom Hill has been given QB eligibility, effective immediately. He currently qualifies at TE. If Hill plays primarily at QB, using snap count data & our team sees that continuing, we reserve the right to remove his TE eligibility.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) November 17, 2020
So here’s why I think this is relevant: in case you didn’t notice, the tight end position stinks. And if Hill ends up under center this week instead of Jameis Winston (feels unlikely but you never know with the way the Saints seem enamored with Hill) with Drew Brees out, he has the chance to put up QB numbers at a position that isn’t quarterback.
Even if Hill doesn’t go under center, he’s had five or more carries in each of his past three games and has gone 35 yards or over. This season, he’s caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. And this week, the Saints play the hapless Falcons, a team that’s good against the run but terrible vs. the pass.
So in ESPN leagues? I’m giving Hill a shot if I absolutely need a tight end. In Yahoo leagues, he’s only QB eligible, and unless you find out he’s the starter this week and you’re desperate, I wouldn’t use him.
So give him a shot in leagues where he’s TE-eligible, keep an eye on the news … and we’ll see if he pays off on Sunday.
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