SAINTS

Drew Brees (QB - NO)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Drew Brees and Company get the honor and privilege of attending the Colts' Super Bowl Victory Party. The Saints have their own high expectations this season, and their campaign begins in Indianapolis.

Brees has a pair of potentially explosive (and more importantly, healthy) wide receivers in Colston and Henderson. Lots of people are looking for both of these guys to step up to the next level. They'll get their chance against a suspect Colt secondary that is still sorting out their positional/personnel issues. Reggie Bush will also be a possible game-breaking factor, but whether that comes from the run or the pass is anyone's guess.

Brees has a decent matchup on paper, but when you factor in the night game, pumped-up opposing crowd, youth at key positions - it just feels like Brees will have a decent night, but will come out on the losing end. If his receivers rise to the occasion he'll live up to fantasy expectations. If they don't play inspired ball and make plays when they have the chance, Brees may wind up turning in an average performance.


Drew Brees (QB - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Drew Brees vs. Colts
Believe it or not, the Colts D isn’t half bad against the pass with Bob Sanders patrolling the secondary. They only allowed 16 passing TDs all last year, good for 5th best in the league, and an astounding 159 yards per game through the air, 2nd best in the league. Despite those stats, Brees still makes for a solid start in this one, just don’t be surprised if the running game plays a bigger role.


Deuce Mcallister (RB - NO)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Reggie Bush gets all the press out of New Orleans, but when the Saints get a lead and grind it out, the running game belongs to Deuce. Problem this week, I believe the Saints are mostly going to be playing from behind, and will be airing it out and turning more to the big-play potential of Mr. Bush. 60 yards and a 50/50 shot at a touchdown seems about the limit for Deuce this week. He'll have better games, but he's not a star play on Thursday.


Deuce Mcallister (RB - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Deuce Mcallister vs. Colts
Deuce should have plenty of opportunities to excel in this game, facing off against Indy’s weak run defense. The Colts allowed 20 rushing touchdowns last season, so look for Deuce to score a short TD in this match-up. Even though he’ll split time with Reggie, Deuce still would be a decent option this week as your #2 RB, or a great #3 RB if needed.


Reggie Bush (RB - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Reggie Bush vs. Colts
Bush gets the chance to face the worst run defense in the league from last year. The Colts allowed an amazing 20 TDs on the ground and 173 rushing yards per game! Bush should be all over the place in this game, staying very active in the rushing and passing attack. Reggie makes for a solid start as your #1 RB and a great play if he’s your #2.


Reggie Bush (RB - NO)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

In spite of the fact that I think the Colts are going to dominate this game, I really like Reggie Bush's chances here. The Saints will be under the prime time lights, they're going to want to make a statement of their own, and they bring a potent offense against a defense with issues in both phases of the game. Bush will get plenty of touches, guaranteed, and against this bunch he should turn in some big plays. I like him for at least 150 combined yards and a TD. Throw in several receptions in ppr leagues, and he looks like a possibly top 5 RB this week.


Marques Colston (WR - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Marques Colston vs. Colts
Colston should be very active in this shootout, as his size will give Indy's cornerbacks fits all night. On the other hand, Indy’s passing defense is pretty stingy, only allowing 16 receiving touchdowns all last season. Despite the defensive stats, Colston is still a great play this week, just don’t be surprised if the RBs take away some TDs from Colston.


Marques Colston (WR - NO)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Colston seems in perfect position to have a big game. The Colts' pass defense is suspect, while their offense will put the pressure on New Orleans to produce points - Drew Brees is gonna have to put up some yardage through the air, and that means Colston will be targeted early and often.

No matter how this game turns out a blowout in favor of the Colts, or a close shootout, either way Colston and Henderson both look to benefit.


Devery Henderson (WR - NO)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

I like Devery Henderson in this game - that is, i think he's a great pick for out-performing his weekly ranking. Like I said regarding Colston, the Saints will definitely have to put some yards and points up through the air. Henderson is a big-play threat who ran hot and cold last year. Mostly hot, when Joe Horn wasn't on the field, and Horn is out of the picture now. Henderson has the chance to step up and be a primary target for an elite QB in a high-octane offense. GREAT WR 3, fine WR 2 this week. Don't have a heart attack if he ends up as a top ten performer for the week.


Devery Henderson (WR - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Devery Henderson vs. Colts
If you’re looking for a high upside guy this week, Henderson is your guy. The Colts passing defense is pretty stingy for fantasy, but this will be a high scoring affair, so Henderson has a decent chance to make some noise this week. Henderson is a borderline #3 WR play this week, but does provide for some upside.


Eric Johnson (TE - NO)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Eric Johnson vs. Colts
Johnson is 3 years removed from having 82 catches in San Francisco. He could become quite the steal for the Saints this season if he stays healthy. On the other hand, it should take a little time for Brees to develop a good rapport with Johnson. Avoid him at all costs this week, as he may not be targeted too much.


COLTS

Peyton Manning (QB - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Peyton Manning vs. Saints
Peyton is a no brainer for most weeks, and this week is no exception. Manning faces the Saints who gave up 26 passing touchdowns last season, 2nd worst in the league. In this high scoring match-up, I expect Manning to throw for at least 2 TDs, probably more. His yardage numbers might not be as high as you would expect, with New Orleans only allowing 178 passing yards per game last season.


Peyton Manning (QB - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

The World Champion Colts come out in prime time on Thursday night for a Super Bowl victory party and banner-hanging. The crowd will be pumped up, and the Colts will be ready to make their statement. Everyone knows about Peyton Manning's ability, and his insanely talented supporting cast at the skill positions. The big question mark is at left tackle, where veteran Tarik Glenn has been replaced by rookie Tony Ugoh. Ugoh has not looked particularly good, letting one-on-one rushers beat him to plow into #18's blind side. If this becomes a problem during the regular season, the Colts will use any means necessary to keep Manning's jersey clean - including pulling in TE's for pass protection. That may very well be the case against the Saints.

New Orleans boasted one of the top five pass defenses last season, in terms of yards-allowed. Don't let that scare you off though, or downgrade expectations for Manning. He'll move this team up and down the field, and get touchdowns too. It's as close to a solid lock as you can get.


Joseph Addai (RB - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Joseph Addai vs. Saints
Addai should have a good week as the main back in Indy, if not for the high scoring nature of the week 1 match-up. The Saints only allowed 10 rushing touchdowns last season, while giving up 128 rushing yards per game. For fantasy, the Saints rushing D is pretty tough to score against, so I wouldn’t expect Addai to go off in this game, touchdown wise. He’ll most likely grab a short TD and 130 total yards, which isn’t half bad.


Joseph Addai (RB - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Looking for a safe RB play? Try Joseph Addai this week. Probably the only threat to Peyton Manning's stats besides a blind-side rusher is an early commanding lead that allows Tony Dungy to finish out the offensive game plan on the ground. The Saints were much weaker against the run than the pass last year, and if the Colts turn this game over to Addai early he could have a HUGE night. No defense, no matter how good, can stack the line to stuff the run against the Colts, not with those weapons on the outside. No brainer.


Kenton Keith (RB - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Canadian League star Kenton Keith was something of a surprise to make the Colts' roster. I doubt you're considering starting him - if you are, you're either the smartest SOB out there out-thinking the experts, or you really neglected your RB position on your roster. Make no mistake, Addai is the man here, and any carries Keith gets will be to give him a blow, or late 4th quarter mop-up duty.


Reggie Wayne (WR - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Absolutely, you gotta start him - that's why you drafted him so high, right? I just question whether he merits ranking as the number 2 WR on the Board, when his opposite side running mate is ranked #1. Something's gotta give. Don't worry about that though. Plug him in and get a good night's sleep. He'll do fine.


Reggie Wayne (WR - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Reggie Wayne vs. Saints
Reggie should do his usual thing in this one. His scoring chances are great as the Saints D gave up a whopping 26 passing TDs last season. Otherwise, temper your expectations in the receptions category, as New Orleans’ D was tough last season only allowing 16 pass completions per game, 2nd best in the league. Wayne is a no-brainer here, making for a solid #1, or maybe a great #2 receiver play this week.


Marvin Harrison (WR - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Marvin Harrison vs. Saints
The Saints D last year allowed plenty of passing TDs, so Marvin should easily score in this game. On the other hand, don’t be surprised if his receiving numbers are a bit lower than you would expect, as the Saints only allowed 16 pass completions per game last year, and we all know Peyton loves to spread it around. Marvin makes for a solid start as your #1 receiver.


Anthony Gonzalez (WR - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Anthony Gonzalez vs. Saints
The rookie from Ohio State should fit in nicely as the 3rd receiver this season, replacing the consistent Brandon Stokely. He may make for a solid fantasy play as a #3 WR as the season progresses. To be safe, it’s a good idea to wait for that progression to take place. He may grab a touchdown in this pass happy attack, but I’d avoid playing him this week if possible.


Dallas Clark (TE - IND)
Posted by Scout Brian Rosebrook

Dallas Clark vs. Saints
Indy’s pass happy offense will give Clark a chance to excel this week. New Orleans can be tough against TE’s though, as they only allowed 5 TDs last year to the position, and none in the last 7 weeks. On the other hand, don’t be surprised if Clark grabs a cheap TD as Peyton always spreads it around. Clark’s a decent option if you need to start a tight end in a 10 or 12 team league.


Dallas Clark (TE - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

Everyone has Colt-mania going into this game, but Clark is one guy I'd have reservations about. Nothing to do with talent, more to do with the uncertainty at left tackle, and the possibility that he'll be kept in to pick up Tony Ugoh's slack on Manning's blind side. It's not like the Colts are hurting for other weapons in the passing game either. I'm not saying don't start him if you have no better options. He still might get his reward for a hard work day once the Colts are down in the red zone. I just wouldn't look for him to be a primary weapon on this night.


Adam Vinatieri (K - IND)
Posted by Scout Ralph Durham

The Colts will get into the Saints' side of the field all night. If Indy's offense gets six, Vinatieri will tack on one. If the Saints' red zone defense stiffens, he gets three. He's the best bet on the Board for kicker this week


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