Far too many people don’t know who Rashid Shaheed is. And every season, multiple unknown players break out in fantasy football. Identifying and drafting these players is what makes or breaks a season. In 2024, Rashid Shaheed is one of those guys. Rashid Shaheed has been a decent fantasy asset the last couple of years but nothing to write home about. He’s totaled 1,207 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, which is a solid total for a bye-week fill-in. So why do I think he’s going to break out this season for the New Orleans Saints? It’s simple: the new kickoff rules.
For those of you unfamiliar with the changes, here are two big things that you need to know. First, the return team has to have at least nine blockers lined up between the 30- and 35-yard line, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. This will keep them from gaining the momentum to force a big hit and allow the returners the space needed to operate. Secondly, just two returners will be allowed inside the 20-yard line, and only the kicker and those returners will be allowed to move before the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20. This will allow kick returners time to make some big plays this season.
Rasheed Shaheed Will Explode in 2024
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His returning prolice and prolific speed should give him ample opportunities to make big special team plays. He should also be a focal point of the Saints’s offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Last season, Rashid Shaheed was relegated to being the third wide receiver in this offense behind Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. Now that Thomas has departed as a free agent, Rashid Shaheed will get the opportunity to not only replace his production but exceed it.
Quarterback Derek Carr now has a year of experience under his belt in New Orleans. Last season, he threw for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns, with Rashid Shaheed helping him along the way. Carr should be comfortable and confident about his connection with Shaheed, and that should pay dividends on the field.
Rashid Shaheed Ready For Challenge
Rashid Shaheed should have the space to blow up this season because he’s got a great supporting cast in addition to Carr. Alvin Kamara, Jamal Williams, and Kendre Miller form an exceptional run game that will force defenders to stay close to the line. And Taysom Hill is a Swiss army knife that defenses have to focus on along with his fellow tight end, Juwan Johnson.
At wide receiver, Chris Olave returns as the number one wide receiver. This is great news for Rashid Shaheed, as opposing defenses will target Olave, leaving the lesser cornerbacks and safeties on Shaheed, who is looking to make a big 3rd-year leap. He has everything going for him this year and should exceed his draft APR without a doubt.
I also think the Saints will be one of the more fun teams to watch this year under their new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak. He is likely to move Rashid Shaheed around and maximize the opportunities to get the ball in his hand. That might mean more rushes, or it could simply be an increase in pass targets. And definitely look out for the gadget plays that involve both Shaheed and Taysom together.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of reasons to be bullish on Rashid Shaheed. He’s going to get more work as a wide receiver and should show he can run a complete route tree this season. On top of that, Special Teams are evolving this year. The new rules are designed to open things up and increase scoring, which is exactly what Rashid Shaheed is counting on.
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