Spencer Rattler Named Saints Starter: Fantasy Football Sleeper Alert

The New Orleans Saints have officially named Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, ending weeks of speculation following Derek Carr's unexpected retirement in May. First-year head coach Kellen Moore announced the decision on August 26, concluding a competitive battle with second-round rookie Tyler Shough and veteran Jake Haener.

Fantasy Impact

This development creates significant ripple effects across fantasy football formats. Rattler enters 2025 with an average draft position of 294, making him essentially undrafted in most leagues despite now holding a starting role. His 2024 rookie campaign produced concerning numbers: 57.0% completion rate, 70.38 passer rating, and an 0-6 record as a starter across six games.

However, fantasy managers should note Rattler's dual-threat capability, as he averaged 8.1 yards per rushing attempt with 146 total rushing yards in limited action. Under Kellen Moore's offensive system and coordinator Doug Nussmeier's 3WR formation, there's potential for improvement in his second season.

For redraft leagues, Rattler represents a late-round quarterback option with upside potential. Based on current PPR rankings, starting quarterbacks typically provide more value than their draft cost suggests, making Rattler a worthy flier in deeper formats.

Dynasty managers should monitor this situation closely. The 24-year-old quarterback beat out higher-drafted Tyler Shough, who was selected 40th overall in 2025 compared to Rattler's 150th pick in 2024. This suggests genuine improvement and coaching confidence that could translate to fantasy relevance.

DFS players should exercise caution initially. Rattler's 2024 performance included 22 sacks in seven games and five fumbles with three lost, indicating potential negative game scripts. However, his Week 1 matchup against Arizona presents opportunity, as the Cardinals ranked 17th against quarterbacks in 2024.

Next Steps

Fantasy managers should immediately add Rattler in deeper leagues where starting quarterbacks carry value. Monitor his preseason finale performance and early practice reports under the new coaching staff. The Saints' offensive line health and receiver corps development will be crucial factors in Rattler's fantasy ceiling.

Watch for Tyler Shough's role as well, as the higher draft investment suggests he could challenge for playing time if Rattler struggles early. Test different late-round quarterback strategies with our fantasy football mock drafts to see how Rattler fits your roster construction.

Key dates include Week 1 against Arizona and the Saints' Week 11 bye. Early season performance will determine whether Rattler becomes a viable streaming option or requires immediate replacement in fantasy lineups.

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