Trey

Palmer

No real surprises here. The Saints will have a fully healthy offensive line going against a banged up Bills defensive line. We’ll see if that’s enough to make this game closer than the spread thinks it will be.

Palmer was claimed by the Saints after the Buccaneers released him during final cuts. The 24-year-old has 51 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons, but his inactive status indicates the he is not in the pass-catching rotation plans just yet. Also inactive for the Saints are DB Jordan Howden (oblique), T Trevor Penning (toe), T Xavier Truss, DT Vernon Broughton, DT Khristian Boyd, and DE Chase Young (calf).

Palmer isn’t an immediate threat for a big role in New Orleans, but given how banged up Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave have been in recent years, it’s not impossible that he eventually becomes fantasy-interesting. For the time being, Palmer likely won’t make the three-wide behind those two and Devaughn Vele. The Saints also claimed OL Xavier Truss off waivers from the Broncos.

A sixth-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2023, Palmer started eight games that year and had 385 yards on 39 catches and three touchdowns. Palmer finished the 2024 season with just 172 yards on 12 catches and one touchdown. He wasn’t able to make the 53-man roster given the Buccaneers’ crowded receiver room. Palmer’s ability to return kicks and punts could help him catch on with another organization.

Palmer finished the season with 172 receiving yards and one touchdown on 12 receptions (22 targets). It was a disappointing effort from the third-year pro, who didn’t seem to take the step forward that many were hoping for. He’s currently third on the depth chart at wide receiver heading into the off-season, but the Bucs will likely bring in more competition for him or players above him, which means that it’s hard to trust Palmer in any fantasy formats heading into next season.

Palmer saw a bump to his snap and route participation rates with tight end Cade Otton sidelined and Sterling Shepard departing early with a hamstring injury, but was unable to capitalize on the additional opportunity. He finished fifth on the team in targets behind Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Rachaad White, and Payne Durham, while McMillan and Ryan Miller caught the only two touchdowns thrown by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Palmer should continue in a more robust role when the Bucs host the Panthers in Week 17 considering the nature of Shepard’s injury.

The field-stretcher might have offered deep-league flex value given the matchup, and six teams being on bye, but a speed-based part-time player offers little reliability this week. He is not a recommended start.

Palmer likely suffered the injury in Thursday’s practice so he should be considered highly questionable to suit up for Week 14 against the Raiders. Palmer is not a fantasy-relevant player but his potential absence would free up a few targets for active players.

Palmer drew one target. With the Bucs headed on bye and Mike Evans (hamstring) potentially returning for Week 12, Palmer isn’t worth keeping around in even the deepest of PPR leagues.

Palmer played most of the offensive snaps for a team missing its top three wide receivers but failed to generate anything of fantasy utility against the stout secondary of the Chiefs. Palmer’s next chance to put up usable counting stats comes in another difficult matchup in Week 10 against the 49ers.